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Usui N. Possible roles of deep cortical neurons and oligodendrocytes in the neural basis of human sociality. Anat Sci Int 2024; 99:34-47. [PMID: 38010534 PMCID: PMC10771383 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00747-1] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Sociality is an instinctive property of organisms that live in relation to others and is a complex characteristic of higher order brain functions. However, the evolution of the human brain to acquire higher order brain functions, such as sociality, and the neural basis for executing these functions and their control mechanisms are largely unknown. Several studies have attempted to evaluate how human sociality was acquired during the course of evolution and the mechanisms controlling sociality from a neurodevelopment viewpoint. This review discusses these findings in the context of human brain evolution and the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Comparative genomic studies of postmortem primate brains have demonstrated human-specific regulatory mechanisms underlying higher order brain functions, providing evidence for the contribution of oligodendrocytes to human brain function. Functional analyses of the causative genes of ASD in animal models have demonstrated that the neural basis of social behavior is associated with layer 6 (L6) of the neocortex and oligodendrocytes. These findings demonstrate that both neurons and oligodendrocytes contribute to the neural basis and molecular mechanisms underlying human brain evolution and social functioning. This review provides novel insights into sociability and the corresponding neural bases of brain disorders and evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Omics Center, Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, 565-0871, Japan.
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, 541-8567, Japan.
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Shulman D, Dubnov S, Zorbaz T, Madrer N, Paldor I, Bennett DA, Seshadri S, Mufson EJ, Greenberg DS, Loewenstein Y, Soreq H. Sex-specific declines in cholinergic-targeting tRNA fragments in the nucleus accumbens in Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimers Dement 2023; 19:5159-5172. [PMID: 37158312 PMCID: PMC10632545 DOI: 10.1002/alz.13095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Females with Alzheimer's disease (AD) suffer accelerated dementia and loss of cholinergic neurons compared to males, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Seeking causal contributors to both these phenomena, we pursued changes in transfer RNS (tRNA) fragments (tRFs) targeting cholinergic transcripts (CholinotRFs). METHODS We analyzed small RNA-sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from the nucleus accumbens (NAc) brain region which is enriched in cholinergic neurons, compared to hypothalamic or cortical tissues from AD brains; and explored small RNA expression in neuronal cell lines undergoing cholinergic differentiation. RESULTS NAc CholinotRFs of mitochondrial genome origin showed reduced levels that correlated with elevations in their predicted cholinergic-associated mRNA targets. Single-cell RNA seq from AD temporal cortices showed altered sex-specific levels of cholinergic transcripts in diverse cell types; inversely, human-originated neuroblastoma cells under cholinergic differentiation presented sex-specific CholinotRF elevations. DISCUSSION Our findings support CholinotRFs contributions to cholinergic regulation, predicting their involvement in AD sex-specific cholinergic loss and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Shulman
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Serafima Dubnov
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Tamara Zorbaz
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Nimrod Madrer
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Iddo Paldor
- The Neurosurgery Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
| | - David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, 600 South Paulina, Suite 1028, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sudha Seshadri
- UT Health Medical Arts & Research Center, San Antonio , TX 78229, USA
| | - Elliott J. Mufson
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph's Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - David S. Greenberg
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Yonatan Loewenstein
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Department of Cognitive Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Federmann Center for the Study of Rationality, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Hermona Soreq
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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3
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Shulman D, Dubnov S, Zorbaz T, Madrer N, Paldor I, Bennett DA, Seshadri S, Mufson EJ, Greenberg DS, Loewenstein Y, Soreq H. Sex-specific declines in cholinergic-targeting tRNA fragments in the nucleus accumbens in Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.02.08.527612. [PMID: 36798311 PMCID: PMC9934682 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.08.527612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Females with Alzheimer's disease (AD) suffer accelerated dementia and loss of cholinergic neurons compared to males, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Seeking causal contributors to both these phenomena, we pursued changes in tRNA fragments (tRFs) targeting cholinergic transcripts (CholinotRFs). Methods We analyzed small RNA-sequencing data from the nucleus accumbens (NAc) brain region which is enriched in cholinergic neurons, compared to hypothalamic or cortical tissues from AD brains; and explored small RNA expression in neuronal cell lines undergoing cholinergic differentiation. Results NAc CholinotRFs of mitochondrial genome origin showed reduced levels that correlated with elevations in their predicted cholinergic-associated mRNA targets. Single cell RNA seq from AD temporal cortices showed altered sex-specific levels of cholinergic transcripts in diverse cell types; inversely, human-originated neuroblastoma cells under cholinergic differentiation presented sex-specific CholinotRF elevations. Discussion Our findings support CholinotRFs contributions to cholinergic regulation, predicting their involvement in AD sex-specific cholinergic loss and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Shulman
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Rachel and Selim Benin School of Computer Science and Engineering, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Serafima Dubnov
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Tamara Zorbaz
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Nimrod Madrer
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Iddo Paldor
- The Neurosurgery Department, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem 9103102, Israel
| | - David A. Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, 600 South Paulina, Suite 1028, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sudha Seshadri
- UT Health Medical Arts & Research Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Elliott J. Mufson
- Barrow Neurological Institute, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA
| | - David S. Greenberg
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Yonatan Loewenstein
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Department of Neurobiology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Department of Cognitive Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Federmann Center for the Study of Rationality, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Hermona Soreq
- The Edmond & Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
- The Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
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4
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Tian H, Jiao Y, Guo M, Wang Y, Wang R, Wang C, Chen X, Tian W. Krüppel-like factor 7 deficiency causes autistic-like behavior in mice via regulating Clock gene. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:166. [PMID: 36207723 PMCID: PMC9547400 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00903-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Krüppel-like factor 7 (klf7), a transcription factor in the nervous system to regulate cell proliferation and differentiation, has been recently identified as a causal gene for autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the mechanism behind remains unknown. RESULT To uncover this mechanism, in this study we characterized the involvement of klf7 in circadian rhythm by knocking down klf7 in N2A cells and examining the rhythmic expression of circadian genes, especially Clock gene. We constructed klf7-/- mice and then investigated into klf7 regulation on the expression of rhythm genes in vivo as well as the use of melatonin to rescue the autism behavior. Our results illustrated that circadian rhythm was disrupted in klf7 knockdown cells and that klf7-/- mice showed autism-like behavior. Also, we found that Clock gene was downregulated in the brain of these klf7-/- mice and that the downstream rhythm genes of Clock were disturbed. Melatonin, as a circadian regulation drug, could regulate the expression level and amplitude of rhythm genes in klf7 knockout cells and further rescue the autistic behavior of klf7-/- mice. CONCLUSION Klf7 deficiency causes ASD by disrupting circadian rhythm related genes to trigger rhythm oscillations. To treat ASD, maintaining circadian homeostasis is promising with the use of melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Tian
- grid.19373.3f0000 0001 0193 3564School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080 China
| | - Yanwen Jiao
- grid.19373.3f0000 0001 0193 3564School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080 China
| | - Mingyue Guo
- grid.19373.3f0000 0001 0193 3564School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080 China
| | - Yilin Wang
- grid.19373.3f0000 0001 0193 3564School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080 China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- grid.19373.3f0000 0001 0193 3564School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080 China
| | - Cao Wang
- grid.19373.3f0000 0001 0193 3564School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080 China
| | - Xiongbiao Chen
- grid.25152.310000 0001 2154 235XDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK S7N 5A9 Canada
| | - Weiming Tian
- grid.19373.3f0000 0001 0193 3564School of Life Science and Technology, Harbin Institute of Technology, Harbin, 150080 China
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5
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Villa C, Arrigoni F, Rivellini E, Lavitrano M, De Gioia L, Ferini-Strambi L, Combi R. Exome Sequencing in an ADSHE Family: VUS Identification and Limits. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:12548. [PMID: 36231847 PMCID: PMC9565017 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191912548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy (ADSHE) is the familial form of a focal epilepsy characterized by hyperkinetic focal seizures, mainly arising during non-rapid eye movements (NREM) sleep. Mutations associated with ADSHE account for a small proportion of the genetically determined cases, suggesting the existence of other disease-causing genes. Here, we reported the results obtained by performing trio-based whole-exome sequencing (WES) in an Italian family showing ADSHE and investigated the structural impact of putative variants by in silico modeling analysis. We identified a p.(Trp276Gly) variant in MOXD1 gene encoding the monooxigenase DBH like 1 protein, cosegregating with the disease and annotated as VUS under the ACMG recommendations. Structural bioinformatic analysis predicted a high destabilizing effect of this variant, due to the loss of important hydrophilic bonds and an expansion of cavity volume in the protein hydrophobic core. Although our data support a functional effect of the p.(Trp276Gly) variant, we highlight the need to identify additional families carrying MOXD1 mutations or functional analyses in suitable models to clarify its role in ADSHE pathogenesis. Moreover, we discuss the importance of VUS reporting due to the low rate of pathogenic variant identification by NGS in epilepsy and for future reinterpretation studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Villa
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Federica Arrigoni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rivellini
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Marialuisa Lavitrano
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Luca De Gioia
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Ferini-Strambi
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology-Sleep Disorder Center, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20127 Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20127 Milan, Italy
| | - Romina Combi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy
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6
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Irie K, Doi M, Usui N, Shimada S. Evolution of the Human Brain Can Help Determine Pathophysiology of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:871979. [PMID: 35431788 PMCID: PMC9010664 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.871979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolution of humans brought about a co-occurring evolution of the human brain, which is far larger and more complex than that of many other organisms. The brain has evolved characteristically in humans in many respects, including macro-and micro-anatomical changes in the brain structure, changes in gene expression, and cell populations and ratios. These characteristics are essential for the execution of higher functions, such as sociality, language, and cognition, which express humanity, and are thought to have been acquired over evolutionary time. However, with the acquisition of higher functions also comes the risk of the disease in which they fail. This review focuses on human brain evolution and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and discusses brain development, molecular evolution, and human brain evolution. Discussing the potential for the development and pathophysiology of NDDs acquired by human brain evolution will provide insights into the acquisition and breakdown of higher functions from a new perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichiro Irie
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Center for Medical Research and Education, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Miyuki Doi
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
- *Correspondence: Noriyoshi Usui,
| | - Shoichi Shimada
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Global Center for Medical Engineering and Informatics, Osaka University, Suita, Japan
- Addiction Research Unit, Osaka Psychiatric Research Center, Osaka Psychiatric Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
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7
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Ali AAH, von Gall C. Adult Neurogenesis under Control of the Circadian System. Cells 2022; 11:cells11050764. [PMID: 35269386 PMCID: PMC8909047 DOI: 10.3390/cells11050764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian circadian system is a hierarchically organized system, which controls a 24-h periodicity in a wide variety of body and brain functions and physiological processes. There is increasing evidence that the circadian system modulates the complex multistep process of adult neurogenesis, which is crucial for brain plasticity. This modulatory effect may be exercised via rhythmic systemic factors including neurotransmitters, hormones and neurotrophic factors as well as rhythmic behavior and physiology or via intrinsic factors within the neural progenitor cells such as the redox state and clock genes/molecular clockwork. In this review, we discuss the role of the circadian system for adult neurogenesis at both the systemic and the cellular levels. Better understanding of the role of the circadian system in modulation of adult neurogenesis can help develop new treatment strategies to improve the cognitive deterioration associated with chronodisruption due to detrimental light regimes or neurodegenerative diseases.
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Berto S, Liu Y, Konopka G. Genomics at cellular resolution: insights into cognitive disorders and their evolution. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 29:R1-R9. [PMID: 32566943 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddaa117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
High-throughput genomic sequencing approaches have held the promise of understanding and ultimately leading to treatments for cognitive disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, schizophrenia and Alzheimer's disease. Although significant progress has been made into identifying genetic variants associated with these diseases, these studies have also uncovered that these disorders are mostly genetically complex and thus challenging to model in non-human systems. Improvements in such models might benefit from understanding the evolution of the human genome and how such modifications have affected brain development and function. The intersection of genome-wide variant information with cell-type-specific expression and epigenetic information will further assist in resolving the contribution of particular cell types in evolution or disease. For example, the role of non-neuronal cells in brain evolution and cognitive disorders has gone mostly underappreciated until the recent availability of single-cell transcriptomic approaches. In this review, we discuss recent studies that carry out cell-type-specific assessments of gene expression in brain tissue across primates and between healthy and disease populations. The emerging results from these studies are beginning to elucidate how specific cell types in the evolved human brain are contributing to cognitive disorders.
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Dan H, Ruan T, Sampogna RV. Circadian Clock Regulation of Developmental Time in the Kidney. Cell Rep 2021; 31:107661. [PMID: 32433970 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.107661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the emergence of an endogenous circadian clock that regulates organogenesis in mouse fetal kidney. We detect circadian rhythms both in vivo with transcriptional profiling and ex vivo by bioluminescence. High-resolution structural analysis of embryonic explants reveals that global or local clock disruption results in defects that resemble human congenital abnormalities of the kidney. The onset of fetal rhythms strongly correlates with the timing of a distinct transition in branching and growth rates during a gestational window of high fetal growth demands. Defects in clock mutants typically have been attributed to accelerated aging; however, our study establishes a role for the fetal circadian clock as a developmental timer that regulates the pathways that control organogenesis, branching rate, and nephron number and thus plays a fundamental role in kidney development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanbin Dan
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Thomas Ruan
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Rosemary V Sampogna
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Maury E, Navez B, Brichard SM. Circadian clock dysfunction in human omental fat links obesity to metabolic inflammation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2388. [PMID: 33888702 PMCID: PMC8062496 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22571-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
To unravel the pathogenesis of obesity and its complications, we investigate the interplay between circadian clocks and NF-κB pathway in human adipose tissue. The circadian clock function is impaired in omental fat from obese patients. ChIP-seq analyses reveal that the core clock activator, BMAL1 binds to several thousand target genes. NF-κB competes with BMAL1 for transcriptional control of some targets and overall, BMAL1 chromatin binding occurs in close proximity to NF-κB consensus motifs. Obesity relocalizes BMAL1 occupancy genome-wide in human omental fat, thereby altering the transcription of numerous target genes involved in metabolic inflammation and adipose tissue remodeling. Eventually, clock dysfunction appears at early stages of obesity in mice and is corrected, together with impaired metabolism, by NF-κB inhibition. Collectively, our results reveal a relationship between NF-κB and the molecular clock in adipose tissue, which may contribute to obesity-related complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonore Maury
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Benoit Navez
- Digestive Surgery Unit, Saint-Luc University Hospital, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sonia M Brichard
- Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition Unit, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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11
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The Landscape of AhR Regulators and Coregulators to Fine-Tune AhR Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22020757. [PMID: 33451129 PMCID: PMC7828596 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22020757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aryl-hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that mediates numerous cellular responses. Originally investigated in toxicology because of its ability to bind environmental contaminants, AhR has attracted enormous attention in the field of immunology in the last 20 years. In addition, the discovery of endogenous and plant-derived ligands points to AhR also having a crucial role in normal cell physiology. Thus, AhR is emerging as a promiscuous receptor that can mediate either toxic or physiologic effects upon sensing multiple exogenous and endogenous molecules. Within this scenario, several factors appear to contribute to the outcome of gene transcriptional regulation by AhR, including the nature of the ligand as such and its further metabolism by AhR-induced enzymes, the local tissue microenvironment, and the presence of coregulators or specific transcription factors in the cell. Here, we review the current knowledge on the array of transcription factors and coregulators that, by interacting with AhR, tune its transcriptional activity in response to endogenous and exogenous ligands.
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12
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Liu Y, Konopka G. An integrative understanding of comparative cognition: lessons from human brain evolution. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:991-1006. [PMID: 32681799 PMCID: PMC7608741 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
A comprehensive understanding of animal cognition requires the integration of studies on behavior, electrophysiology, neuroanatomy, development, and genomics. Although studies of comparative cognition are receiving increasing attention from organismal biologists, most current studies focus on the comparison of behaviors and anatomical structures to understand their adaptative values. However, to understand the most potentially complex cognitive program of the human brain a greater synthesis of a multitude of disciplines is needed. In this review, we start with extensive neuroanatomic comparisons between humans and other primates. One likely specialization of the human brain is the expansion of neocortex, especially in regions for high-order cognition (e.g., prefrontal cortex). We then discuss how such an expansion can be linked to heterochrony of the brain developmental program, resulting in a greater number of neurons and enhanced computational capacity. Furthermore, alteration of gene expression in the human brain has been associated with positive selection in DNA sequences of gene regulatory regions. These results not only imply that genes associated with brain development are a major factor in the evolution of cognition, but also that high-quality whole-genome sequencing and gene manipulation techniques are needed for an integrative and functional understanding of comparative cognition in non-model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxiang Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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13
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di Porzio U. A bigger brain for a more complex environment. Rev Neurosci 2020; 31:/j/revneuro.ahead-of-print/revneuro-2020-0041/revneuro-2020-0041.xml. [PMID: 32924383 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The environment increased complexity required more neural functions to develop in the hominin brains, and the hominins adapted to the complexity by developing a bigger brain with a greater interconnection between its parts. Thus, complex environments drove the growth of the brain. In about two million years during hominin evolution, the brain increased three folds in size, one of the largest and most complex amongst mammals, relative to body size. The size increase has led to anatomical reorganization and complex neuronal interactions in a relatively small skull. At birth, the human brain is only about 20% of its adult size. That facilitates the passage through the birth canal. Therefore, the human brain, especially cortex, develops postnatally in a rich stimulating environment with continuous brain wiring and rewiring and insertion of billions of new neurons. One of the consequence is that in the newborn brain, neuroplasticity is always turned "on" and it remains active throughout life, which gave humans the ability to adapt to complex and often hostile environments, integrate external experiences, solve problems, elaborate abstract ideas and innovative technologies, store a lot of information. Besides, hominins acquired unique abilities as music, language, and intense social cooperation. Overwhelming ecological, social, and cultural challenges have made the human brain so unique. From these events, as well as the molecular genetic changes that took place in those million years, under the pressure of natural selection, derive the distinctive cognitive abilities that have led us to complex social organizations and made our species successful.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto di Porzio
- Developmental Neurobiology Laboratory, Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80128 Naples, Italy
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Bingman VP, Ewry EM. On a Search for a Neurogenomics of Cognitive Processes Supporting Avian Migration and Navigation. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:967-975. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Synopsis
The migratory behavioral profile of birds is characterized by considerable variation in migratory phenotype, and a number of distinct orientation and navigational mechanisms supports avian migration and homing. As such, bird navigation potentially offers a unique opportunity to investigate the neurogenomics of an often spectacular, naturally occurring spatial cognition. However, a number of factors may impede realization of this potential. First, aspects of the migratory behavior displayed by birds, including some navigational-support mechanisms, are under innate/genetic influence as, for example, young birds on their first migration display appropriate migratory orientation and timing without any prior experience and even when held in captivity from the time of birth. Second, many of the genes with an allelic variation that co-varies with migratory phenotype are genes that regulate processes unrelated to cognition. Where cognition and navigation clearly converge is in the familiar landmark/landscape navigation best studied in homing pigeons and known to be dependent on the hippocampus. Encouraging here are differences in the hippocampal organization among different breeds of domestic pigeons and a different allelic profile in the LRP8 gene of homing pigeons. A focus on the hippocampus also suggests that differences in developmentally active genes that promote hippocampal differentiation might also be genes where allelic or epigenetic variation could explain the control of or comparison-group differences in a cognition of navigation. Sobering, however, is just how little has been learned about the neurogenomics of cognition (“intelligence”) in humans despite the vast resources and research activity invested; resources that would be unimaginable for any avian study investigating bird navigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verner P Bingman
- Department of Psychology and J. P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
| | - Emily M Ewry
- Department of Psychology and J. P. Scott Center for Neuroscience, Mind and Behavior, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA
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15
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Adverse Effects of Circadian Disorganization on Mood and Molecular Rhythms in the Prefrontal Cortex of Mice. Neuroscience 2020; 432:44-54. [PMID: 32081724 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Disturbance of the daily cycles in sleep and wakefulness induced by conditions such as shift work and jet lag can increase the risk of affective disorders including anxiety and depression. The way such circadian disorganization disrupts the regulation of mood, however, is not well understood. More specifically, the impact of circadian disorganization on the daily rhythms of the neuronal function that controls mood remains unclear. We therefore investigated the effects of circadian disorganization on expression rhythms of clock genes as well as immediate early genes (IEGs) in several mood-controlling regions of the brain. To introduce circadian disorganization of behaviors, we exposed male C57BL/6J mice to chronic reversal of the light-dark cycle and we found a marked negative mood phenotype in these mice. Importantly, the most adverse effect of circadian disorganization on expression rhythms of clock and IEGs was observed in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) when compared to that in other mood-related areas of the brain. Dysregulation of molecular rhythms in the PFC is therefore suggested to be associated with the development of mood disorders in conditions including shift work and jet lag.
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16
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Cedernaes J, Waldeck N, Bass J. Neurogenetic basis for circadian regulation of metabolism by the hypothalamus. Genes Dev 2019; 33:1136-1158. [PMID: 31481537 PMCID: PMC6719618 DOI: 10.1101/gad.328633.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Circadian rhythms are driven by a transcription-translation feedback loop that separates anabolic and catabolic processes across the Earth's 24-h light-dark cycle. Central pacemaker neurons that perceive light entrain a distributed clock network and are closely juxtaposed with hypothalamic neurons involved in regulation of sleep/wake and fast/feeding states. Gaps remain in identifying how pacemaker and extrapacemaker neurons communicate with energy-sensing neurons and the distinct role of circuit interactions versus transcriptionally driven cell-autonomous clocks in the timing of organismal bioenergetics. In this review, we discuss the reciprocal relationship through which the central clock drives appetitive behavior and metabolic homeostasis and the pathways through which nutrient state and sleep/wake behavior affect central clock function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Cedernaes
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Nathan Waldeck
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
| | - Joseph Bass
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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17
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Lobentanzer S, Hanin G, Klein J, Soreq H. Integrative Transcriptomics Reveals Sexually Dimorphic Control of the Cholinergic/Neurokine Interface in Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder. Cell Rep 2019; 29:764-777.e5. [PMID: 31618642 PMCID: PMC6899527 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA sequencing analyses are often limited to identifying lowest p value transcripts, which does not address polygenic phenomena. To overcome this limitation, we developed an integrative approach that combines large-scale transcriptomic meta-analysis of patient brain tissues with single-cell sequencing data of CNS neurons, short RNA sequencing of human male- and female-originating cell lines, and connectomics of transcription factor and microRNA interactions with perturbed transcripts. We used this pipeline to analyze cortical transcripts of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder patients. Although these pathologies show massive transcriptional parallels, their clinically well-known sexual dimorphisms remain unexplained. Our method reveals the differences between afflicted men and women and identifies disease-affected pathways of cholinergic transmission and gp130-family neurokine controllers of immune function interlinked by microRNAs. This approach may open additional perspectives for seeking biomarkers and therapeutic targets in other transmitter systems and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Lobentanzer
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Geula Hanin
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Science and the Life Sciences Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel
| | - Jochen Klein
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Goethe University, Max-von-Laue-Str. 9, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Hermona Soreq
- The Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Science and the Life Sciences Institute, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 9190401, Israel.
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18
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Onder Y, Laothamatas I, Berto S, Sewart K, Kilaru G, Bordieanu B, Stubblefield JJ, Konopka G, Mishra P, Green CB. The Circadian Protein Nocturnin Regulates Metabolic Adaptation in Brown Adipose Tissue. iScience 2019; 19:83-92. [PMID: 31357170 PMCID: PMC6664146 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Fine-tuning of transcriptional responses can be critical for long-term outcomes in response to an environmental challenge. The circadian protein Nocturnin belongs to a family of proteins that include exonucleases, endonucleases, and phosphatases and is most closely related to the CCR4 family of deadenylases that regulate the cellular transcriptome via control of poly(A) tail length of RNA transcripts. In this study, we investigate the role of Nocturnin in regulating the transcriptional response and downstream metabolic adaptations during cold exposure in brown adipose tissue. We find that Nocturnin exhibits dual localization within the cytosol and mitochondria, and loss of Nocturnin causes changes in expression of networks of mRNAs involved in mitochondrial function. Furthermore, Nocturnin−/− animals display significantly elevated levels of tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, indicating that they have distinct metabolic adaptations during a prolonged cold exposure. We conclude that cold-induced stimulation of Nocturnin levels can regulate long-term metabolic adaptations to environmental challenges. Nocturnin localizes to both the cytosol and the mitochondria Nocturnin is robustly induced in response to cold exposure in brown fat Regulation of mitochondrial metabolic genes is altered in Nocturnin−/− brown fat Nocturnin regulates long-term metabolic adaptation to cold exposure in brown fat
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Onder
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Isara Laothamatas
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Katharina Sewart
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Gokhul Kilaru
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Bogdan Bordieanu
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jeremy J Stubblefield
- Department of Cell Systems & Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Prashant Mishra
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; The Green Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Carla B Green
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Abstract
During the course of evolution the human brain has increased in size and complexity, ultimately these differences are the result of changes at the genetic level. Identifying and characterizing molecular evolution requires an understanding of both the genetic underpinning of the system as well as the comparative genetic tools to identify signatures of selection. This chapter aims to describe our current understanding of the genetics of human brain evolution. Primarily this is the story of the evolution of the human brain since our last common ape ancestor, but where relevant we will also discuss changes that are unique to the primate brain (compared to other mammals) or various other lineages in the evolution of humans more generally. It will focus on genetic changes that both directly affected the development and function of the brain as well as those that have indirectly influenced brain evolution through both prenatal and postnatal environment. This review is not meant to be exhaustive, but rather to begin to construct a general framework for understanding the full array of data being generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Vallender
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States; Tulane National Primate Research Center, Covington, LA, United States.
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CLOCK Polymorphisms in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Further Evidence Linking Sleep and Circadian Disturbances and ADHD. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020088. [PMID: 30696097 PMCID: PMC6410065 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 01/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Circadian and sleep disorders, short sleep duration, and evening chronotype are often present in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). CLOCK, considered the master gene in the circadian rhythm, has been explored by few studies. Understanding the relationship between ADHD and CLOCK may provide additional information to understand the correlation between ADHD and sleep problems. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between ADHD and CLOCK, using several genetic markers to comprehensively cover the gene extension. A total of 259 ADHD children and their parents from a Brazilian clinical sample were genotyped for eight single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the CLOCK locus. We tested the individual markers and the haplotype effects using binary logistic regression. Binary logistic and linear regressions considering ADHD symptoms among ADHD cases were conducted as secondary analysis. As main result, the analysis showed a risk effect of the G-A-T-G-G-C-G-A (rs534654, rs1801260, rs6855837, rs34897046, rs11931061, rs3817444, rs4864548, rs726967) haplotype on ADHD. A suggestive association between ADHD and rs534654 was observed. The results suggest that the genetic susceptibility to circadian rhythm attributed to the CLOCK gene may play an important role on ADHD.
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21
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Berto S, Nowick K. Species-Specific Changes in a Primate Transcription Factor Network Provide Insights into the Molecular Evolution of the Primate Prefrontal Cortex. Genome Biol Evol 2018; 10:2023-2036. [PMID: 30059966 PMCID: PMC6105097 DOI: 10.1093/gbe/evy149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The human prefrontal cortex (PFC) differs from that of other primates with respect to size, histology, and functional abilities. Here, we analyzed genome-wide expression data of humans, chimpanzees, and rhesus macaques to discover evolutionary changes in transcription factor (TF) networks that may underlie these phenotypic differences. We determined the co-expression networks of all TFs with species-specific expression including their potential target genes and interaction partners in the PFC of all three species. Integrating these networks allowed us inferring an ancestral network for all three species. This ancestral network as well as the networks for each species is enriched for genes involved in forebrain development, axonogenesis, and synaptic transmission. Our analysis allows us to directly compare the networks of each species to determine which links have been gained or lost during evolution. Interestingly, we detected that most links were gained on the human lineage, indicating increase TF cooperativity in humans. By comparing network changes between different tissues, we discovered that in brain tissues, but not in the other tissues, the human networks always had the highest connectivity. To pinpoint molecular changes underlying species-specific phenotypes, we analyzed the sub-networks of TFs derived only from genes with species-specific expression changes in the PFC. These sub-networks differed significantly in structure and function between the human and chimpanzee. For example, the human-specific sub-network is enriched for TFs implicated in cognitive disorders and for genes involved in synaptic plasticity and cognitive functions. Our results suggest evolutionary changes in TF networks that might have shaped morphological and functional differences between primate brains, in particular in the human PFC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX.,Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Nowick
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics (IZBI), University of Leipzig, Germany.,Faculty for Biology, Chemistry, and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Germany
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22
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Christ P, Sowa AS, Froy O, Lorentz A. The Circadian Clock Drives Mast Cell Functions in Allergic Reactions. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1526. [PMID: 30034393 PMCID: PMC6043637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic diseases are known to vary in the severity of their symptoms throughout the day/night cycle. This rhythmicity is also observed in mast cell function and responsiveness. Mast cells are key effector cells of allergic reactions and release cytokines, chemokines, and important inflammatory mediators such as histamine, which have been shown to display diurnal variation. Recent research clarified that mast cells are controlled by their internal clock-which is regulated by a specific set of clock genes-as well as external factors such as light sensed by the suprachiasmatic nuclei, hormonal status, or diet. Here, we give an overview of the connections between circadian clock, mast cells, and allergic disease. Further work aimed at studying the role of chronotherapy/chronomedicine should take into account this rhythmic nature of not only mast cells but also the immune responses generated by mast cell signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Christ
- Institute for Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anna Sergeevna Sowa
- Institute for Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Oren Froy
- Food Science and Nutrition, the Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, Institute of Biochemistry, The Hebrew University, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Axel Lorentz
- Institute for Nutritional Medicine, University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart, Germany
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