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Gredell M, Lu J, Zuo Y. The effect of single-cell knockout of Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein on synaptic structural plasticity. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1135479. [PMID: 37035256 PMCID: PMC10076639 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1135479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is the best-known form of inherited intellectual disability caused by the loss-of-function mutation in a single gene. The FMR1 gene mutation abolishes the expression of Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP), which regulates the expression of many synaptic proteins. Cortical pyramidal neurons in postmortem FXS patient brains show abnormally high density and immature morphology of dendritic spines; this phenotype is replicated in the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse. While FMRP is well-positioned in the dendrite to regulate synaptic plasticity, intriguing in vitro and in vivo data show that wild type neurons embedded in a network of Fmr1 KO neurons or glia exhibit spine abnormalities just as neurons in Fmr1 global KO mice. This raises the question: does FMRP regulate synaptic morphology and dynamics in a cell-autonomous manner, or do the synaptic phenotypes arise from abnormal pre-synaptic inputs? To address this question, we combined viral and mouse genetic approaches to delete FMRP from a very sparse subset of cortical layer 5 pyramidal neurons (L5 PyrNs) either during early postnatal development or in adulthood. We then followed the structural dynamics of dendritic spines on these Fmr1 KO neurons by in vivo two-photon microscopy. We found that, while L5 PyrNs in adult Fmr1 global KO mice have abnormally high density of thin spines, single-cell Fmr1 KO in adulthood does not affect spine density, morphology, or dynamics. On the contrary, neurons with neonatal FMRP deletion have normal spine density but elevated spine formation at 1 month of age, replicating the phenotype in Fmr1 global KO mice. Interestingly, these neurons exhibit elevated thin spine density, but normal total spine density, by adulthood. Together, our data reveal cell-autonomous FMRP regulation of cortical synaptic dynamics during adolescence, but spine defects in adulthood also implicate non-cell-autonomous factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Yi Zuo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz, CA, United States
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2
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Bissell S, Oliver C, Moss J, Heald M, Waite J, Crawford H, Kothari V, Rumbellow L, Walters G, Richards C. The behavioural phenotype of SATB2-associated syndrome: a within-group and cross-syndrome analysis. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:25. [PMID: 35350986 PMCID: PMC8966214 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09426-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SATB2-associated syndrome (SAS) is a multisystem neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by intellectual disability, speech delay, and craniofacial anomalies. Although the clinical presentation of SAS is well-delineated, behaviours associated with SAS are less well-defined. Given the varied social profile reported in SAS of a ‘jovial’ predisposition and autistic behaviours, there may be phenotypic overlap with both Angelman syndrome (AS) and non-syndromal autism. This study aimed to describe behaviours in SAS in relation to chronological age and level of ability and contrast aspects of the behavioural phenotype with AS and non-syndromal autism. Methods Informant report questionnaire measures of behaviour, emotion, and autism characteristics were completed for 81 individuals with SAS (aged 1–36 years; 43 male). Within-group associations were analysed, and categorical data were compared between pre-school (1–5 years), school-age (6–15 years), and adolescent and adult SAS sub-groups (16 years and over). Cross-syndrome subscale and item-level analyses were conducted for 63 individuals with SAS (aged 1–27 years; 31 male), who were matched according to age and level of ability to 63 individuals with AS (aged 2–25 years; 32 male) and 63 individuals with non-syndromal autism (aged 3–26 years; 53 male). Results In SAS, higher rates of overactivity were moderately associated with lower self-help ability, and higher general anxiety scores were reported for males compared with females. Cross-syndrome subscale analyses uncovered several significant differences (p < .01), with comparatively low rates of stereotyped behaviour, overactivity, insistence on sameness and positive affect, and comparatively greater interest and pleasure and compulsive behaviour in individuals with SAS. Item-level analyses revealed a distinct profile of repetitive and autistic behaviours. Limitations Developmental analysis was based on a cross-sectional rather than a longitudinal research design, the contribution of pain and sleep to behaviour was not explored, and molecular genetic testing to determine genotype–phenotype behavioural relationships was not possible. Conclusions This study highlights the importance of behavioural comparisons to well-delineated groups and the utility of fine-grained item-level analyses to elucidate aspects of behaviour that might be syndrome related or shared across neurodevelopmental disorders. Future research is needed to further describe the distinctive repetitive and autistic behavioural phenotype in SAS. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s11689-022-09426-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey Bissell
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Chris Oliver
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Joanna Moss
- School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Mary Heald
- Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Blackpool, Lancashire, UK
| | - Jane Waite
- School of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hayley Crawford
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Unit, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Vishakha Kothari
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Lauren Rumbellow
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Grace Walters
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
| | - Caroline Richards
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UK
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Clifton NE, Thomas KL, Wilkinson LS, Hall J, Trent S. FMRP and CYFIP1 at the Synapse and Their Role in Psychiatric Vulnerability. Complex Psychiatry 2020; 6:5-19. [PMID: 34883502 PMCID: PMC7673588 DOI: 10.1159/000506858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
There is increasing awareness of the role genetic risk variants have in mediating vulnerability to psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. Many of these risk variants encode synaptic proteins, influencing biological pathways of the postsynaptic density and, ultimately, synaptic plasticity. Fragile-X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) and cytoplasmic fragile-X mental retardation protein (FMRP)-interacting protein 1 (CYFIP1) contain 2 such examples of highly penetrant risk variants and encode synaptic proteins with shared functional significance. In this review, we discuss the biological actions of FMRP and CYFIP1, including their regulation of (i) protein synthesis and specifically FMRP targets, (ii) dendritic and spine morphology, and (iii) forms of synaptic plasticity such as long-term depression. We draw upon a range of preclinical studies that have used genetic dosage models of FMR1 and CYFIP1 to determine their biological function. In parallel, we discuss how clinical studies of fragile X syndrome or 15q11.2 deletion patients have informed our understanding of FMRP and CYFIP1, and highlight the latest psychiatric genomic findings that continue to implicate FMRP and CYFIP1. Lastly, we assess the current limitations in our understanding of FMRP and CYFIP1 biology and how they must be addressed before mechanism-led therapeutic strategies can be developed for psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas E. Clifton
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Kerrie L. Thomas
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence S. Wilkinson
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Simon Trent
- Neuroscience & Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Keele University, Keele, United Kingdom
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Verma AK, Khan E, Bhagwat SR, Kumar A. Exploring the Potential of Small Molecule-Based Therapeutic Approaches for Targeting Trinucleotide Repeat Disorders. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:566-584. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01724-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Joensuu M, Lanoue V, Hotulainen P. Dendritic spine actin cytoskeleton in autism spectrum disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:362-381. [PMID: 28870634 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Dendritic spines are small actin-rich protrusions from neuronal dendrites that form the postsynaptic part of most excitatory synapses. Changes in the shape and size of dendritic spines correlate with the functional changes in excitatory synapses and are heavily dependent on the remodeling of the underlying actin cytoskeleton. Recent evidence implicates synapses at dendritic spines as important substrates of pathogenesis in neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although synaptic perturbations are not the only alterations relevant for these diseases, understanding the molecular underpinnings of the spine and synapse pathology may provide insight into their etiologies and could reveal new drug targets. In this review, we will discuss recent findings of defective actin regulation in dendritic spines associated with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merja Joensuu
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Vanessa Lanoue
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Pirta Hotulainen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
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Developmental Emergence of Phenotypes in the Auditory Brainstem Nuclei of Fmr1 Knockout Mice. eNeuro 2017; 4:eN-NWR-0264-17. [PMID: 29291238 PMCID: PMC5744645 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0264-17.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 11/14/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common monogenic cause of autism, is often associated with hypersensitivity to sound. Several studies have shown abnormalities in the auditory brainstem in FXS; however, the emergence of these auditory phenotypes during development has not been described. Here, we investigated the development of phenotypes in FXS model [Fmr1 knockout (KO)] mice in the ventral cochlear nucleus (VCN), medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB), and lateral superior olive (LSO). We studied features of the brainstem known to be altered in FXS or Fmr1 KO mice, including cell size and expression of markers for excitatory (VGLUT) and inhibitory (VGAT) synapses. We found that cell size was reduced in the nuclei with different time courses. VCN cell size is normal until after hearing onset, while MNTB and LSO show decreases earlier. VGAT expression was elevated relative to VGLUT in the Fmr1 KO mouse MNTB by P6, before hearing onset. Because glial cells influence development and are altered in FXS, we investigated their emergence in the developing Fmr1 KO brainstem. The number of microglia developed normally in all three nuclei in Fmr1 KO mice, but we found elevated numbers of astrocytes in Fmr1 KO in VCN and LSO at P14. The results indicate that some phenotypes are evident before spontaneous or auditory activity, while others emerge later, and suggest that Fmr1 acts at multiple sites and time points in auditory system development.
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Monyak RE, Emerson D, Schoenfeld BP, Zheng X, Chambers DB, Rosenfelt C, Langer S, Hinchey P, Choi CH, McDonald TV, Bolduc FV, Sehgal A, McBride SM, Jongens TA. Insulin signaling misregulation underlies circadian and cognitive deficits in a Drosophila fragile X model. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1140-1148. [PMID: 27090306 PMCID: PMC5071102 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an undertreated neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by low intelligence quotent and a wide range of other symptoms including disordered sleep and autism. Although FXS is the most prevalent inherited cause of intellectual disability, its mechanistic underpinnings are not well understood. Using Drosophila as a model of FXS, we showed that select expression of dfmr1 in the insulin-producing cells (IPCs) of the brain was sufficient to restore normal circadian behavior and to rescue the memory deficits in the fragile X mutant fly. Examination of the insulin signaling (IS) pathway revealed elevated levels of Drosophila insulin-like peptide 2 (Dilp2) in the IPCs and elevated IS in the dfmr1 mutant brain. Consistent with a causal role for elevated IS in dfmr1 mutant phenotypes, the expression of dfmr1 specifically in the IPCs reduced IS, and genetic reduction of the insulin pathway also led to amelioration of circadian and memory defects. Furthermore, we showed that treatment with the FDA-approved drug metformin also rescued memory. Finally, we showed that reduction of IS is required at different time points to rescue circadian behavior and memory. Our results indicate that insulin misregulation underlies the circadian and cognitive phenotypes displayed by the Drosophila fragile X model, and thus reveal a metabolic pathway that can be targeted by new and already approved drugs to treat fragile X patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Monyak
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158
| | - Danielle Emerson
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158
| | - Brian P. Schoenfeld
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158,Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Xiangzhong Zheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158
| | - Daniel B. Chambers
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2H7
| | - Cory Rosenfelt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2H7
| | - Steven Langer
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2H7
| | - Paul Hinchey
- Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Catherine H. Choi
- Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461,Department of Dermatology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 219 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
| | - Thomas V. McDonald
- Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Francois V. Bolduc
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2H7
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158
| | - Sean M.J. McBride
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158,To whom correspondence should be addressed: and , phone: 215-573-9332, fax: 215-573-9411
| | - Thomas A. Jongens
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158,To whom correspondence should be addressed: and , phone: 215-573-9332, fax: 215-573-9411
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this systematic literature review is to describe what is known about fragile X syndrome (FXS) and to identify research gaps. The results can be used to help inform future public health research and provide pediatricians with up-to-date information about the implications of the condition for individuals and their families. METHODS An electronic literature search was conducted, guided by a variety of key words. The search focused on 4 areas of both clinical and public health importance: (1) the full mutation phenotype, (2) developmental trajectories across the life span, (3) available interventions and treatments, and (4) impact on the family. A total of 661 articles were examined and 203 were included in the review. RESULTS The information is presented in the following categories: developmental profile (cognition, language, functional skills, and transition to adulthood), social-emotional profile (cooccurring psychiatric conditions and behavior problems), medical profile (physical features, seizures, sleep, health problems, and physiologic features), treatment and interventions (educational/behavioral, allied health services, and pharmacologic), and impact on the family (family environment and financial impact). Research gaps also are presented. CONCLUSIONS The identification and treatment of FXS remains an important public health and clinical concern. The information presented in this article provides a more robust understanding of FXS and the impact of this complex condition for pediatricians. Despite a wealth of information about the condition, much work remains to fully support affected individuals and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Raspa
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and
| | - Anne C Wheeler
- RTI International, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina; and
| | - Catharine Riley
- National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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Lisik MZ. Fragile X syndrome – a common disease rarely diagnosed. CURRENT ISSUES IN PHARMACY AND MEDICAL SCIENCES 2017. [DOI: 10.1515/cipms-2017-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a single-gene disorder with a broad spectrum of involvement, including cognitive and behavioural impairments of varying degrees with specific physical features and with strong association with autism. The study was conducted on 23 males (10-32 years old) who had full mutation in the FMR1 gene. A complete medical evaluation, including medical history, family history, psychological testing and physical examination was conducted on each subject. Three of the FXS patients (13%) were isolated cases of mental retardation in the family. The remaining 20 FXS patients belonged to 15 families, where there were other mentally retarded family members present. The degree of mental retardation (MR) varied. Mild MR was diagnosed in 1/23 (4.35%), moderate MR in 12/23 (52.17%), severe MR in 10/23 (43.48 %). Moreover, autism spectrum disorder was diagnosed in 5/23 (21.74%) FXS patients. Analysis of the BMI showed that in FXS patients, 14 of 23 (60.68%) had too high body weight - 9/23 (39.13%) were overweight and 5/23 (21.74%) were obese. The diagnosis of FXS is difficult because of nonspecific symptoms, yet early diagnosis is crucial for early intervention and genetic counseling. The risk of recurrence is 50%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malgorzata Zofia Lisik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Medykow 18, 40-752 Katowice , Poland
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Green D, Lim M, Lang B, Pohl K, Turk J. Sensory Processing Difficulties in Opsoclonus-Myoclonus Syndrome: A Pilot Project of Presentation and Possible Prevalence. J Child Neurol 2016; 31:965-70. [PMID: 26994071 DOI: 10.1177/0883073816634856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2015] [Accepted: 12/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome is a rare but serious neurological condition resulting in loss of control of eye movements, often accompanied by difficulties in posture and movement control with reports of sensory sensitivities potentially impacting on behavior. This pilot study characterizes the presence of atypical sensory behaviors in opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome through questionnaire survey of a cohort of families. The Short Sensory Profile, Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, and Developmental Behaviour Checklist were distributed to 30 families; 16 were returned anonymously. Atypical sensory behaviors were identified in a large proportion (62.5%). Children reported as being more anxious showed greater sensitivity to auditory stimuli, U(14) 11, P = .026. This is consistent with recent recognition of more extensive disease neurocognitive effects in Opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome. Further research is needed to increase understanding of the complex pathology of this disease and to provide indicators for sensory and behavioral as well as pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dido Green
- Centre for Rehabilitation, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - Ming Lim
- Paediatric Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's Health Partners Academic Health Science Centre, London, UK Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Bethan Lang
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, John Radcliffe Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Keith Pohl
- Paediatric Neurosciences, Evelina London Children's Hospital, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, King's Health Partners Academic Health Science Centre, London, UK
| | - Jeremy Turk
- Southwark Child & Adolescent Mental Health Neurodevelopmental Service, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Freeman NC, Gray KM, Taffe JR, Cornish KM. Development of a New Attention Rating Scale for Children With Intellectual Disability: The Scale of Attention in Intellectual Disability (SAID). AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2015; 120:91-109. [PMID: 25715180 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-120.2.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Difficulties with attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity are thought to be as common among children with intellectual disability (ID) as they are in children without ID. Despite this, there is a lack of scales to specifically assess ADHD symptomatology in children and adolescents with ID. This article describes the development and evaluation of a teacher-completed measure; the Scale of Attention in Intellectual Disability (SAID). A community survey of 176 teachers of children 5-13 years of age, with ID at all levels of impairment indicated that the T-SAID is a reliable and valid measure. Integrating this scale with neuropsychological and clinical research holds exciting promise for enhancing our understanding of the nature of attention difficulties within populations with ID.
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Kazdoba TM, Leach PT, Silverman JL, Crawley JN. Modeling fragile X syndrome in the Fmr1 knockout mouse. Intractable Rare Dis Res 2014; 3:118-33. [PMID: 25606362 PMCID: PMC4298642 DOI: 10.5582/irdr.2014.01024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/28/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) is a commonly inherited form of intellectual disability and one of the leading genetic causes for autism spectrum disorder. Clinical symptoms of FXS can include impaired cognition, anxiety, hyperactivity, social phobia, and repetitive behaviors. FXS is caused by a CGG repeat mutation which expands a region on the X chromosome containing the FMR1 gene. In FXS, a full mutation (> 200 repeats) leads to hypermethylation of FMR1, an epigenetic mechanism that effectively silences FMR1 gene expression and reduces levels of the FMR1 gene product, fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP is an RNA-binding protein that is important for the regulation of protein expression. In an effort to further understand how loss of FMR1 and FMRP contribute to FXS symptomology, several FXS animal models have been created. The most well characterized rodent model is the Fmr1 knockout (KO) mouse, which lacks FMRP protein due to a disruption in its Fmr1 gene. Here, we review the behavioral phenotyping of the Fmr1 KO mouse to date, and discuss the clinical relevance of this mouse model to the human FXS condition. While much remains to be learned about FXS, the Fmr1 KO mouse is a valuable tool for understanding the repercussions of functional loss of FMRP and assessing the efficacy of pharmacological compounds in ameliorating the molecular and behavioral phenotypes relevant to FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M. Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
- Address correspondence to: Dr. Tatiana M. Kazdoba, MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, Research II Building 96, 4625 2nd Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA. E-mail:
| | - Prescott T. Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jill L. Silverman
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N. Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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Coppus AMW. People with intellectual disability: what do we know about adulthood and life expectancy? ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 18:6-16. [PMID: 23949824 DOI: 10.1002/ddrr.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 217] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 12/03/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increases in the life expectancy of people with Intellectual Disability have followed similar trends to those found in the general population. With the exception of people with severe and multiple disabilities or Down syndrome, the life expectancy of this group now closely approximates with that of the general population. Middle and old age, which until 30 years ago were not recognized in this population, are now important parts of the life course of these individuals. Older adults with Intellectual Disabilities form a small, but significant and growing proportion of older people in the community. How these persons grow older and how symptoms and complications of the underlying cause of the Intellectual Disability will influence their life expectancy is of the utmost importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M W Coppus
- Dichterbij, Center for the Intellectually Disabled, Medical Center, Gennep, The Netherlands.
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Schneider A, Ligsay A, Hagerman RJ. Fragile X syndrome: an aging perspective. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 18:68-74. [PMID: 23949830 DOI: 10.1002/ddrr.1129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Revised: 04/24/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive and behavioral correlates of molecular variations related to the FMR1 gene have been studied rather extensively, but research about the long-term outcome in individuals with fragile X spectrum disorders remains sparse. In this review, we present an overview of aging research and recent findings in regard to cellular and clinical manifestations of aging in fragile X syndrome, and the FMR1 premutation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Schneider
- MIND Institute, University of California at Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA.
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Russo-Ponsaran NM, Yesensky J, Hessl D, Berry-Kravis E. Feasibility, reproducibility, and clinical validity of the pediatric anxiety rating scale-revised for fragile X syndrome. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2014; 119:1-16. [PMID: 24450318 PMCID: PMC6916720 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-119.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability and the most common known genetic cause of autism. FXS is associated with psychiatric impairments, including anxiety disorders. There is a paucity of well-developed measures to characterize anxiety in FXS. However, such scales are needed to measure therapeutic responses to interventions. The Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale-Revised (PARS-R) was evaluated in 49 individuals with FXS. Feasibility, reproducibility, and clinical validity were assessed. High inter-rater, test-retest, and cross-site reliability were achieved. PARS-R scores were correlated with parent-report and physician ratings of anxiety, suggesting good clinical validity. Results were similar within gender and age subgroups. The PARS-R is a promising tool for measuring the efficacy of interventions targeting anxiety in FXS.
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Fernández E, Rajan N, Bagni C. The FMRP regulon: from targets to disease convergence. Front Neurosci 2013; 7:191. [PMID: 24167470 PMCID: PMC3807044 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2013.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 10/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is an RNA-binding protein that regulates mRNA metabolism. FMRP has been largely studied in the brain, where the absence of this protein leads to fragile X syndrome, the most frequent form of inherited intellectual disability. Since the identification of the FMRP gene in 1991, many studies have primarily focused on understanding the function/s of this protein. Hundreds of potential FMRP mRNA targets and several interacting proteins have been identified. Here, we report the identification of FMRP mRNA targets in the mammalian brain that support the key role of this protein during brain development and in regulating synaptic plasticity. We compared the genes from databases and genome-wide association studies with the brain FMRP transcriptome, and identified several FMRP mRNA targets associated with autism spectrum disorders, mood disorders and schizophrenia, showing a potential common pathway/s for these apparently different disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Fernández
- Center for the Biology of Disease, Vlaams Institut voor Biotechnologie Leuven, Belgium ; Center for Human Genetics, Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease, KU Leuven Leuven, Belgium
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De Rubeis S, Pasciuto E, Li K, Fernández E, Di Marino D, Buzzi A, Ostroff L, Klann E, Zwartkruis FJ, Komiyama N, Grant SG, Poujol C, Choquet D, Achsel T, Posthuma D, Smit A, Bagni C. CYFIP1 coordinates mRNA translation and cytoskeleton remodeling to ensure proper dendritic spine formation. Neuron 2013; 79:1169-82. [PMID: 24050404 PMCID: PMC3781321 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2013.06.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 218] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The CYFIP1/SRA1 gene is located in a chromosomal region linked to various neurological disorders, including intellectual disability, autism, and schizophrenia. CYFIP1 plays a dual role in two apparently unrelated processes, inhibiting local protein synthesis and favoring actin remodeling. Here, we show that brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-driven synaptic signaling releases CYFIP1 from the translational inhibitory complex, triggering translation of target mRNAs and shifting CYFIP1 into the WAVE regulatory complex. Active Rac1 alters the CYFIP1 conformation, as demonstrated by intramolecular FRET, and is key in changing the equilibrium of the two complexes. CYFIP1 thus orchestrates the two molecular cascades, protein translation and actin polymerization, each of which is necessary for correct spine morphology in neurons. The CYFIP1 interactome reveals many interactors associated with brain disorders, opening new perspectives to define regulatory pathways shared by neurological disabilities characterized by spine dysmorphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia De Rubeis
- VIB Center for Biology of Disease, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Emanuela Pasciuto
- VIB Center for Biology of Disease, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ka Wan Li
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Esperanza Fernández
- VIB Center for Biology of Disease, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniele Di Marino
- VIB Center for Biology of Disease, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Andrea Buzzi
- VIB Center for Biology of Disease, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Eric Klann
- Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, NY 10003, USA
| | - Fried J.T. Zwartkruis
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Biomedical Genetics and Cancer Genomics Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht
| | - Noboru H. Komiyama
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and Centre for Neuroregeneration, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Seth G.N. Grant
- Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences and Centre for Neuroregeneration, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH16 4SB, UK
| | - Christel Poujol
- CNRS, Bordeaux Imaging Center, UMS 3420, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, UMS 3420, 33077, Bordeaux, France
| | - Daniel Choquet
- CNRS, Interdisciplinary Institute for Neuroscience, IINS, UMR 5297, 33000 Bordeaux, France
- University of Bordeaux, UMR 5297, 33077, Bordeaux, France
| | - Tilmann Achsel
- VIB Center for Biology of Disease, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Danielle Posthuma
- Department of Functional Genomics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus University Medical Center/Sophia Child Hospital, 3000 CB Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - August B. Smit
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia Bagni
- VIB Center for Biology of Disease, KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Human Genetics and Leuven Institute for Neuroscience and Disease (LIND), KULeuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University “Tor Vergata,” 00133 Rome, Italy
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Lucá R, Averna M, Zalfa F, Vecchi M, Bianchi F, La Fata G, Del Nonno F, Nardacci R, Bianchi M, Nuciforo P, Munck S, Parrella P, Moura R, Signori E, Alston R, Kuchnio A, Farace MG, Fazio VM, Piacentini M, De Strooper B, Achsel T, Neri G, Neven P, Evans DG, Carmeliet P, Mazzone M, Bagni C. The fragile X protein binds mRNAs involved in cancer progression and modulates metastasis formation. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:1523-36. [PMID: 24092663 PMCID: PMC3799577 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201302847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2013] [Revised: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) is well established in brain, where its absence leads to the fragile X syndrome (FXS). FMRP is almost ubiquitously expressed, suggesting that, in addition to its effects in brain, it may have fundamental roles in other organs. There is evidence that FMRP expression can be linked to cancer. FMR1 mRNA, encoding FMRP, is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. A decreased risk of cancer has been reported in patients with FXS while a patient-case with FXS showed an unusual decrease of tumour brain invasiveness. However, a role for FMRP in regulating cancer biology, if any, remains unknown. We show here that FMRP and FMR1 mRNA levels correlate with prognostic indicators of aggressive breast cancer, lung metastases probability and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We establish that FMRP overexpression in murine breast primary tumours enhances lung metastasis while its reduction has the opposite effect regulating cell spreading and invasion. FMRP binds mRNAs involved in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion including E-cadherin and Vimentin mRNAs, hallmarks of EMT and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Lucá
- VIB Center for the Biology of Disease, Leuven, Belgium; Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium
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Bagni C, Tassone F, Neri G, Hagerman R. Fragile X syndrome: causes, diagnosis, mechanisms, and therapeutics. J Clin Invest 2012. [PMID: 23202739 DOI: 10.1172/jci63141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most frequent form of inherited intellectual disability and is also linked to other neurologic and psychiatric disorders. FXS is caused by a triplet expansion that inhibits expression of the FMR1 gene; the gene product, FMRP, regulates mRNA metabolism in the brain and thus controls the expression of key molecules involved in receptor signaling and spine morphology. While there is no definitive cure for FXS, the understanding of FMRP function has paved the way for rational treatment designs that could potentially reverse many of the neurobiological changes observed in FXS. Additionally, behavioral, pharmacological, and cognitive interventions can raise the quality of life for both patients and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Bagni
- Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Center for Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the health and economic burden experienced by caregivers of individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS) and test the assumption that burden is associated with specific dimensions of problem behavior. METHODS Three hundred fifty caregivers rated their son or daughter's problem behavior and reported the use of medical services, caregiving time, impact on employment, financial burden, caregiver injuries, caregiver mental health, and prescription drug use. RESULTS The son's FXS posed a significant burden for caregivers in a number of areas. Visits to medical specialists were common for both males (5.4 per year) and females (5.1 per year). Caregivers reported 9.2 hours per day of family caregiving for males with FXS and an additional 5.5 hours of paid help. Most families reported that FXS had at least some financial impact on the family, and caregivers had to take an average of 19.4 hours from work each month to care for their child's needs. Almost one third of the caregivers had been injured by their child at least once in the past year; when injuries occurred, the frequency was high (14.7 per year), of which 2.7 required medical care. Approximately one third of the caregivers had seen a professional for anxiety, stress, or depression during the past year, and one fourth were taking medication to help with these symptoms. Caregiver burden was highly associated with problem behavior, most commonly irritability. CONCLUSION Problem behavior is a strong contributor to burden experienced by caregivers of children and adults with FXS. Clinicians should be aware of the role problem behavior plays in family adaptation and help families access appropriate medical and social support services.
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