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Stare J. Oxidation of Flavin by Molecular Oxygen: Computational Insights into a Possible Radical Mechanism. ACS OMEGA 2024; 9:23431-23441. [PMID: 38854520 PMCID: PMC11154890 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.4c00307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
As a highly electrophilic moiety capable of oxidizing a variety of small organic molecules and biomolecules, flavin is an important prosthetic group in many enzymes. Upon oxidation of the substrate, flavin is converted into its reduced (dihydrogenated) form. The catalytic cycle is completed through oxidation back to the oxidized form, thus restoring the enzyme's oxidizing capability. While it has been firmly established that oxidation of the reduced form of flavin is cast by molecular oxygen, yielding oxidized flavin and hydrogen peroxide, the mechanism of this process is still poorly understood. Herein, we investigate the radical mechanism, which is one of the possible reaction mechanisms, by quantum chemical calculations. Because molecular oxygen exists as a triplet in its electronic ground state, whereas the products are singlets, the reaction is accompanied by hopping between electronic surfaces. We find that the rate-limiting factor of flavin oxidation is likely associated with the change in the spin state of the system. By considering several possible reactions involving flavin and its derivatives in the radical form and by examining the corresponding parts of the potential energy surface in various spin states, we estimate the effective barrier of the kinetically and thermodynamically preferred variant of flavin oxidation to be about 15 kcal/mol in the gas phase and about 7 kcal/mol in a polar (aqueous) environment. This is in agreement with kinetic studies of the corresponding monoamine oxidase enzymes, confirming the radical mechanism as a viable option for flavin regeneration in enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jernej Stare
- National Institute of Chemistry,Hajdrihova 19, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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2
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Minniti ML, Kalantari S, Pasca L, Bruno S, Arceri S, Novello E, Giorgio E, Rizzo V, Borgatti R, Valente EM, Pisani A, Orcesi S, Sirchia F. Expanding the phenotype of Brunner syndrome from childhood to adulthood: Description of the second pediatric patient and his mother. Am J Med Genet A 2024; 194:82-87. [PMID: 37750385 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63413] [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: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
Brunner syndrome is a recessive X-linked disorder caused by pathogenic variants in the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA). It is characterized by distinctive aggressive behavior, mild intellectual disability, sleep disturbances, and typical biochemical alterations deriving from the impaired monoamine metabolism. We herein describe a 5-year-old boy with developmental delay, autistic features, and myoclonic epilepsy, and his mother, who had mild intellectual disability and recurrent episodes of palpitations, headache, abdominal pain, and abdominal bloating. Whole exome sequencing allowed detection of the maternally-inherited variant c.410A>G, (p.Glu137Gly) in the MAOA gene. The subsequent biochemical studies confirmed the MAOA deficiency both in the child and his mother. Given the serotonergic symptoms associated with high serotonin levels found in the mother, treatment with a serotonin reuptake inhibitor and dietary modifications were carried out, resulting in regression of the biochemical abnormalities and partial reduction of symptoms. Our report expands the phenotypic spectrum of Brunner disease, bringing new perspectives on the behavioral and neurodevelopmental phenotype from childhood to adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Letizia Minniti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Silvia Kalantari
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ludovica Pasca
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Samantha Bruno
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | - Elisa Novello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisa Giorgio
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Neurogenetics Research Center, Pavia, Italy
| | - Vittoria Rizzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Renato Borgatti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Enza Maria Valente
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Neurogenetics Research Center, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonio Pisani
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- IRCCS, Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Simona Orcesi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Child Neurology and Psychiatry, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fabio Sirchia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Medical Genetic Unit, Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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3
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Kanarik M, Sakala K, Matrov D, Kaart T, Roy A, Ziegler GC, Veidebaum T, Lesch KP, Harro J. MAOA methylation is associated with impulsive and antisocial behaviour: dependence on allelic variation, family environment and diet. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024; 131:59-71. [PMID: 37507512 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-023-02675-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Congenital absence of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) activity predisposes to antisocial impulsive behaviour, and the MAOA uVNTR low-expressing genotype (MAOA-L) together with childhood maltreatment is associated with similar phenotypes in males. A possible explanation of how family environment may lead to such behaviour involves DNA methylation. We have assessed MAOA methylation and impulsive/antisocial behaviour in 121 males from the Estonian Children Personality Behaviour and Health Study. Of the 12 CpG sites measured, methylation levels at the locus designated CpG3 were significantly lower in subjects with antisocial behaviour involving police contact. CpG3 methylation was lower in subjects with alcohol use disorder by age 25, but only in MAOA-H genotype. No correlation between MAOA CpG3 methylation levels and adaptive impulsivity was found at age 15, but in MAOA-L genotype a positive correlation appeared by age 18. By age 25, this positive correlation was no longer observed in subjects with better family relationships but had increased further with experience of adversity within the family. MAOA CpG3 methylation had different developmental dynamics in relation to maladaptive impulsivity. At age 18, a positive correlation was observed in MAOA-L genotype with inferior family relationships and a negative correlation was found in MAOA-H with superior home environment; both of these associations had disappeared by age 25. CpG3 methylation was associated with dietary intake of several micronutrients, most notable was a negative correlation with the intake of zinc, but also with calcium, potassium and vitamin E; a positive correlation was found with intake of phosphorus. In conclusion, MAOA CpG3 methylation is related to both maladaptive and adaptive impulsivity in adolescence in MAOA-L males from adverse home environment. By young adulthood, this relationship with maladaptive impulsivity had disappeared but with adaptive impulsivity strengthened. Thus, MAOA CpG3 methylation may serve as a marker for adaptive developmental neuroplasticity in MAOA-L genotype. The mechanisms involved may include dietary factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margus Kanarik
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A Chemicum, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Katre Sakala
- National Institute for Health Development, Tallinn, Estonia
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia
- Institute of Family Medicine and Public Health, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Denis Matrov
- Section on Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tanel Kaart
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Estonian University of Life Sciences, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Arunima Roy
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Georg C Ziegler
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jaanus Harro
- Division of Neuropsychopharmacology, Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Tartu, Ravila 14A Chemicum, 50411, Tartu, Estonia.
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Schwartz CE, Louie RJ, Toutain A, Skinner C, Friez MJ, Stevenson RE. X-Linked intellectual disability update 2022. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:144-159. [PMID: 36300573 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genes that are involved in the transcription process, mitochondrial function, glycoprotein metabolism, and ubiquitination dominate the list of 21 new genes associated with X-linked intellectual disability since the last update in 2017. The new genes were identified by sequencing of candidate genes (2), the entire X-chromosome (2), the whole exome (15), or the whole genome (2). With these additions, 42 (21%) of the 199 named XLID syndromes and 27 (25%) of the 108 numbered nonsyndromic XLID families remain to be resolved at the molecular level. Although the pace of discovery of new XLID genes has slowed during the past 5 years, the density of genes on the X chromosome that cause intellectual disability still appears to be twice the density of intellectual disability genes on the autosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Annick Toutain
- Department of Medical Genetics, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Tours, France
| | - Cindy Skinner
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, South Carolina, USA
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Brunner syndrome caused by point mutation explained by multiscale simulation of enzyme reaction. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21889. [PMID: 36536002 PMCID: PMC9763434 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26296-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Brunner syndrome is a disorder characterized by intellectual disability and impulsive, aggressive behavior associated with deficient function of the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) enzyme. These symptoms (along with particularly high serotonin levels) have been reported in patients with two missense variants in MAO-A (p.R45W and p.E446K). Herein, we report molecular simulations of the rate-limiting step of MAO-A-catalyzed serotonin degradation for these variants. We found that the R45W mutation causes a 6000-fold slowdown of enzymatic function, whereas the E446K mutation causes a 450-fold reduction of serotonin degradation rate, both of which are practically equivalent to a gene knockout. In addition, we thoroughly compared the influence of enzyme electrostatics on the catalytic function of both the wild type MAO-A and the p.R45W variant relative to the wild type enzyme, revealing that the mutation represents a significant electrostatic perturbation that contributes to the barrier increase. Understanding genetic disorders is closely linked to understanding the associated chemical mechanisms, and our research represents a novel attempt to bridge the gap between clinical genetics and the underlying chemical physics.
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Carvalho MRS, Barbosa de Carvalho AH, Paiva GM, Andrade Jorge CDC, Dos Santos FC, Koltermann G, de Salles JF, Moeller K, Maia de Oliveira Wood G, Haase VG. MAOA-LPR polymorphism and math anxiety: A marker of genetic susceptibility to social influences in girls? Ann N Y Acad Sci 2022; 1516:135-150. [PMID: 35765118 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Math anxiety (MA) seems to result from an interaction of genetic vulnerability with negative experiences learning mathematics. Although mathematics achievement does not substantially differ between the sexes, MA levels are usually higher in girls. Molecular genetic markers of MA vulnerability have been seldom explored. This article examines the contribution of the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) to MA and to sex differences in MA. Five hundred and sixty-eight third to fifth graders were genotyped for the MAOA-LPR polymorphism (a repetitive element in MAOA promoter that has been associated with MAOA enzymatic activity), and assessed on general cognitive ability, mathematics achievement, and the cognitive and affective dimensions of MA. MAOA-LPR genotypes were classified as high (MAOA-H) or low (MAOA-L) according to their predicted enzymatic activity. Mixed models controlling for effects of school, sex, general cognitive ability, and mathematics achievement were evaluated. The best fitting model included school, math achievement, sex, MAOA-LPR, and the MAOA-LPR by sex interaction. This indicated that under the MAOA-H dominant model, anxiety toward mathematics interacted with the MAOA genotype: girls with an MAOA-L genotype exhibited higher levels of MA, with a small but significant effect. The association between MAOA-L genotype and MA in girls may represent an example of developmental plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Raquel Santos Carvalho
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - André Henrique Barbosa de Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Giulia Moreira Paiva
- Programa de Pós graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Carolina de Castro Andrade Jorge
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Caroline Dos Santos
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Gabriella Koltermann
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jerusa Fumagalli de Salles
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Departamento de Psicologia do Desenvolvimento e da Personalidade, Instituto de Psicologia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Korbinian Moeller
- Centre for Mathematical Cognition, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.,Leibniz-Institut fuer Wissensmedien, Tuebingen, Germany.,LEAD Graduate School & Research Network, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany.,Individual Differences and Adaptive Education Centre, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Vitor Geraldi Haase
- Programa de Pós graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Departamento de Psicologia, Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Psicologia: Cognição e Comportamento, Faculdade de Filosofia e Ciências Humanas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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7
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Deest M, Buchholz V, Jahn K, Eberlein C, Bleich S, Frieling H. Hypomethylation of monoamine oxidase A promoter/exon 1 region is associated with temper outbursts in Prader-Willi syndrome. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 149:359-366. [PMID: 34782122 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder caused by the absence of paternally expressed and maternally imprinted genes on chromosome 15q 11.2-13. It is associated with a certain behavioural phenotype, especially temper outbursts with verbal and physical aggression towards others. Recent studies show a promising therapeutic effect of serotonin reuptake inhibitors like sertraline on frequency and intensity of outbursts. Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) (X p11.23) plays a crucial role in the metabolism of monoamines. Dysregulation in methylation of the CpG island spanning the promoter region and exon 1 of MAOA is implicated in impulsive and aggressive behaviour. METHODS In the present study, methylation rates of CpG dinucleotides in the MAOA promoter and exon 1 region were determined from DNA derived from whole blood samples of PWS patients (n = 32) and controls (n = 14) matched for age, sex and BMI via bisulfite sequencing. PWS patients were grouped into those showing temper outbursts, and those who do not. RESULTS Overall, PWS patients show a significant lower methylation rate at the promoter/exon 1 region than healthy controls in both sexes. Furthermore, PWS patients, male as well female with temper outbursts show a significant lower methylation rate than those without temper outbursts (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006). CONCLUSION The MAOA promoter/exon 1 region methylation seems to be dysregulated in PWS patients in sense of a hypomethylation, especially in those suffering from temper outbursts. This dysregulation probably plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of temper outbursts in PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Deest
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Vanessa Buchholz
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kirsten Jahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Christian Eberlein
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Stefan Bleich
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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van Rhijn JR, Shi Y, Bormann M, Mossink B, Frega M, Recaioglu H, Hakobjan M, Klein Gunnewiek T, Schoenmaker C, Palmer E, Faivre L, Kittel-Schneider S, Schubert D, Brunner H, Franke B, Nadif Kasri N. Brunner syndrome associated MAOA mutations result in NMDAR hyperfunction and increased network activity in human dopaminergic neurons. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 163:105587. [PMID: 34923109 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoamine neurotransmitter abundance affects motor control, emotion, and cognitive function and is regulated by monoamine oxidases. Among these, Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) catalyzes the degradation of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin into their inactive metabolites. Loss-of-function mutations in the X-linked MAOA gene have been associated with Brunner syndrome, which is characterized by various forms of impulsivity, maladaptive externalizing behavior, and mild intellectual disability. Impaired MAOA activity in individuals with Brunner syndrome results in bioamine aberration, but it is currently unknown how this affects neuronal function, specifically in dopaminergic (DA) neurons. Here we generated human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived DA neurons from three individuals with Brunner syndrome carrying different mutations and characterized neuronal properties at the single cell and neuronal network level in vitro. DA neurons of Brunner syndrome patients showed reduced synaptic density but exhibited hyperactive network activity. Intrinsic functional properties and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptor (AMPAR)-mediated synaptic transmission were not affected in DA neurons of individuals with Brunner syndrome. Instead, we show that the neuronal network hyperactivity is mediated by upregulation of the GRIN2A and GRIN2B subunits of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), resulting in increased NMDAR-mediated currents. By correcting a MAOA missense mutation with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing we normalized GRIN2A and GRIN2B expression, NMDAR function and neuronal population activity to control levels. Our data suggest that MAOA mutations in Brunner syndrome increase the activity of dopaminergic neurons through upregulation of NMDAR function, which may contribute to the etiology of Brunner syndrome associated phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Ruben van Rhijn
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yan Shi
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Maren Bormann
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Britt Mossink
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Monica Frega
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical neurophysiology, University of Twente, 7522 NB Enschede, Netherlands
| | - Hatice Recaioglu
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Marina Hakobjan
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Teun Klein Gunnewiek
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Anatomy, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Chantal Schoenmaker
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Elizabeth Palmer
- Genetics of Learning Disability Service, Hunter Genetics, Waratah, NSW, Australia; School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Laurence Faivre
- Centre de Référence Anomalies du développement et Syndromes malformatifs and FHU TRANSLAD, Hôpital d'Enfants, Dijon, France; INSERM UMR1231 GAD, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Sarah Kittel-Schneider
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schubert
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Han Brunner
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Clinical Genetics, MUMC+, GROW School of Oncology and Developmental Biology, and MHeNS School of Neuroscience and Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Nael Nadif Kasri
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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9
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Peters TMA, Lammerts van Bueren I, Geurtz BP, Coene KLM, de Leeuw N, Brunner HG, Jónsson JJ, Willemsen MAAP, Wevers RA, Verbeek MM. Monoamine oxidase A activity in fibroblasts as a functional confirmation of MAOA variants. JIMD Rep 2021; 58:114-121. [PMID: 33728254 PMCID: PMC7932864 DOI: 10.1002/jmd2.12194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractMonoamine oxidase A (MAO‐A) deficiency is a rare inborn error of metabolism with impaired degradation of biogenic amines including 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), resulting in borderline intellectual disability and behavioral abnormalities. Genetic variants in MAOA need functional confirmation to enable a definite diagnosis. To this end, we developed an inexpensive, simple and nonradioactive MAO‐A activity assay based on the conversion of 5‐HT into 5‐hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5‐HIAA). Fibroblast cell lysates were incubated with 5‐HT and aldehyde dehydrogenase to allow 5‐HIAA production. 5‐HIAA was quantified using high‐performance liquid chromatography with fluorimetric detection. We optimized reaction mixture components, pH, and substrate concentration and tested linearity and specificity of the assay. We verified the functional validity of the enzyme assay using fibroblasts of controls, female mutation carriers and MAO‐A deficient patients. This included a newly described patient with a novel MAOA variant (c.1336G>A, p.(Glu446Lys)), who represents the fifth MAO‐A deficiency family so far. The optimized enzyme assay showed good linearity and specificity. Application to clinical samples showed a 100% differentiation of affected patients (with negligible MAO‐A enzyme activity) and controls or mutation carriers. In conclusion, the described MAO‐A activity assay is easy to implement and can readily be used to test the pathogenicity of variants in the MAOA gene in a clinical setting. Especially in this era of whole‐exome (and whole‐genome) sequencing, this functional assay fulfills a clinical need for functional confirmation of a suspected diagnosis of MAO‐A deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tessa M. A. Peters
- Department of NeurologyDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML)Radboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Irma Lammerts van Bueren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML)Radboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Ben P.B.H. Geurtz
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML)Radboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Karlien L. M. Coene
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML)Radboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Nicole de Leeuw
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Centre for Cognitive NeuroscienceRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Han G. Brunner
- Department of Human Genetics and Donders Centre for Cognitive NeuroscienceRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of Clinical GeneticsMaastricht University Medical Center+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
- Department of Genetics and Cell BiologyMaastricht University Medical Center+MaastrichtThe Netherlands
- GROW Institute for Developmental Biology and CancerMaastricht University Medical CentreMaastrichtThe Netherlands
| | - Jón J. Jónsson
- Department of Genetics and Molecular MedicineLandspitali University HospitalReykjavikIceland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of IcelandReykjavikIceland
| | - Michèl A. A. P. Willemsen
- Department of Pediatric NeurologyDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Ron A. Wevers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML)Radboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Marcel M. Verbeek
- Department of NeurologyDonders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Translational Metabolic Laboratory (TML)Radboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
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10
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Mentis AFA, Dardiotis E, Katsouni E, Chrousos GP. From warrior genes to translational solutions: novel insights into monoamine oxidases (MAOs) and aggression. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:130. [PMID: 33602896 PMCID: PMC7892552 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01257-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The pervasive and frequently devastating nature of aggressive behavior calls for a collective effort to understand its psychosocial and neurobiological underpinnings. Regarding the latter, diverse brain areas, neural networks, neurotransmitters, hormones, and candidate genes have been associated with antisocial and aggressive behavior in humans and animals. This review focuses on the role of monoamine oxidases (MAOs) and the genes coding for them, in the modulation of aggression. During the past 20 years, a substantial number of studies using both pharmacological and genetic approaches have linked the MAO system with aggressive and impulsive behaviors in healthy and clinical populations, including the recent discovery of MAALIN, a long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) regulating the MAO-A gene in the human brain. Here, we first provide an overview of the MAOs and their physiological functions, we then summarize recent key findings linking MAO-related enzymatic and gene activity and aggressive behavior, and, finally, we offer novel insights into the mechanisms underlying this association. Using the existing experimental evidence as a foundation, we discuss the translational implications of these findings in clinical practice and highlight what we believe are outstanding conceptual and methodological questions in the field. Ultimately, we propose that unraveling the specific role of MAO in aggression requires an integrated approach, where this question is pursued by combining psychological, radiological, and genetic/genomic assessments. The translational benefits of such an approach include the discovery of novel biomarkers of aggression and targeting the MAO system to modulate pathological aggression in clinical populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexios-Fotios A Mentis
- Public Health Laboratories, Hellenic Pasteur Institute, Vas. Sofias Avenue 127, 115 21, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimios Dardiotis
- Department of Neurology, University of Thessaly, Panepistimiou 3, Viopolis, 41 500, Larissa, Greece
| | - Eleni Katsouni
- Department of Experimental Psychology, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
| | - George P Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Medical School, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, Livadias 8, 115 27, Athens, Greece.
- UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, Athens, Greece.
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11
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Kolla NJ, Bortolato M. The role of monoamine oxidase A in the neurobiology of aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior: A tale of mice and men. Prog Neurobiol 2020; 194:101875. [PMID: 32574581 PMCID: PMC7609507 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2020.101875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Over the past two decades, research has revealed that genetic factors shape the propensity for aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior. The best-documented gene implicated in aggression is MAOA (Monoamine oxidase A), which encodes the key enzyme for the degradation of serotonin and catecholamines. Congenital MAOA deficiency, as well as low-activity MAOA variants, has been associated with a higher risk for antisocial behavior (ASB) and violence, particularly in males with a history of child maltreatment. Indeed, the interplay between low MAOA genetic variants and early-life adversity is the best-documented gene × environment (G × E) interaction in the pathophysiology of aggression and ASB. Additional evidence indicates that low MAOA activity in the brain is strongly associated with a higher propensity for aggression; furthermore, MAOA inhibition may be one of the primary mechanisms whereby prenatal smoke exposure increases the risk of ASB. Complementary to these lines of evidence, mouse models of Maoa deficiency and G × E interactions exhibit striking similarities with clinical phenotypes, proving to be valuable tools to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms underlying antisocial and aggressive behavior. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of the knowledge on the involvement of MAOA in aggression, as defined by preclinical and clinical evidence. In particular, we show how the convergence of human and animal research is proving helpful to our understanding of how MAOA influences antisocial and violent behavior and how it may assist in the development of preventative and therapeutic strategies for aggressive manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Kolla
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada; Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada; Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada; Translational Initiative on Antisocial Personality Disorder (TrIAD); Program of Research on Violence Etiology, Neurobiology, and Treatment (PReVENT).
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Translational Initiative on Antisocial Personality Disorder (TrIAD); Program of Research on Violence Etiology, Neurobiology, and Treatment (PReVENT).
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12
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Prah A, Purg M, Stare J, Vianello R, Mavri J. How Monoamine Oxidase A Decomposes Serotonin: An Empirical Valence Bond Simulation of the Reactive Step. J Phys Chem B 2020; 124:8259-8265. [PMID: 32845149 PMCID: PMC7520887 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.0c06502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The enzyme-catalyzed degradation of the biogenic amine serotonin is an essential regulatory mechanism of its level in the human organism. In particular, monoamine oxidase A (MAO A) is an important flavoenzyme involved in the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters. Despite extensive research efforts, neither the catalytic nor the inhibition mechanisms of MAO enzymes are currently fully understood. In this article, we present the quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics simulation of the rate-limiting step for the serotonin decomposition, which consists of hydride transfer from the serotonin methylene group to the N5 atom of the flavin moiety. Free-energy profiles of the reaction were computed by the empirical valence bond method. Apart from the enzymatic environment, the reference reaction in the gas phase was also simulated, facilitating the estimation of the catalytic effect of the enzyme. The calculated barrier for the enzyme-catalyzed reaction of 14.82 ± 0.81 kcal mol-1 is in good agreement with the experimental value of 16.0 kcal mol-1, which provides strong evidence for the validity of the proposed hydride-transfer mechanism. Together with additional experimental and computational work, the results presented herein contribute to a deeper understanding of the catalytic mechanism of MAO A and flavoenzymes in general, and in the long run, they should pave the way toward applications in neuropsychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alja Prah
- Laboratory
for Computational Biochemistry and Drug Design, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
| | - Miha Purg
- Department
of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala SE-751 24, Sweden
| | - Jernej Stare
- Laboratory
for Computational Biochemistry and Drug Design, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
| | - Robert Vianello
- Division
of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Rud̵er
Bošković Institute, Zagreb 10002, Croatia
| | - Janez Mavri
- Laboratory
for Computational Biochemistry and Drug Design, National Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1001, Slovenia
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13
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Burke MW, Fillion M, Mejia J, Ervin FR, Palmour RM. Perinatal MAO Inhibition Produces Long-Lasting Impairment of Serotonin Function in Offspring. Brain Sci 2018; 8:brainsci8060106. [PMID: 29891804 PMCID: PMC6025445 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8060106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to transmitter functions, many neuroamines have trophic or ontogenetic regulatory effects important to both normal and disordered brain development. In previous work (Mejia et al., 2002), we showed that pharmacologically inhibiting monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity during murine gestation increases the prevalence of behaviors thought to reflect impulsivity and aggression. The goal of the present study was to determine the extent to which this treatment influences dopamine and serotonin innervation of murine cortical and subcortical areas, as measured by regional density of dopamine (DAT) and serotonin transporters (SERT). We measured DAT and SERT densities at 3 developmental times (PND 14, 35 and 90) following inhibition of MAO A, or MAO B or both throughout murine gestation and early post-natal development. DAT binding was unaltered within the nigrostriatal pathway, but concurrent inhibition of MAO-A and MAO-B significantly and specifically reduced SERT binding by 10–25% in both the frontal cortex and raphe nuclei. Low levels of SERT binding persisted (PND 35, 90) after the termination (PND 21) of exposure to MAO inhibitors and was most marked in brain structures germane to the previously described behavioral changes. The relatively modest level of enzyme inhibition (25–40%) required to produce these effects mandates care in the use of any compound which might inhibit MAO activity during gestation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Burke
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20059, USA.
| | - Myriam Fillion
- Departments of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
| | - Jose Mejia
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3J 3T4, Canada.
| | - Frank R Ervin
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
| | - Roberta M Palmour
- Departments of Biology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
- Human Genetics, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 1A1, Canada.
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14
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Bortolato M, Floris G, Shih JC. From aggression to autism: new perspectives on the behavioral sequelae of monoamine oxidase deficiency. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:1589-1599. [PMID: 29748850 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1888-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The two monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, A and B, catalyze the metabolism of monoamine neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. The phenotypic outcomes of MAO congenital deficiency have been studied in humans and animal models, to explore the role of these enzymes in behavioral regulation. The clinical condition caused by MAOA deficiency, Brunner syndrome, was first described as a disorder characterized by overt antisocial and aggressive conduct. Building on this discovery, subsequent studies were focused on the characterization of the role of MAOA in the neurobiology of antisocial conduct. MAO A knockout mice were found to display high levels of intermale aggression; however, further analyses of these mutants unveiled additional behavioral abnormalities mimicking the core symptoms of autism-spectrum disorder. These findings were strikingly confirmed in newly reported cases of Brunner syndrome. The role of MAOB in behavioral regulation remains less well-understood, even though Maob-deficient mice have been found to exhibit greater behavioral disinhibition and risk-taking responses, supporting previous clinical studies showing associations between low MAO B activity and impulsivity. Furthermore, lack of MAOB was found to exacerbate the severity of psychopathological deficits induced by concurrent MAOA deficiency. Here, we summarize how the convergence of clinical reports and behavioral phenotyping in mutant mice has helped frame a complex picture of psychopathological features in MAO-deficient individuals, which encompass a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental problems. This emerging knowledge poses novel conceptual challenges towards the identification of the endophenotypes shared by autism-spectrum disorder, antisocial behavior and impulse-control problems, as well as their monoaminergic underpinnings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, L.S. Skaggs Hall, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA.
| | - Gabriele Floris
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, L.S. Skaggs Hall, 30 S 2000 E, Salt Lake City, UT, 84112, USA
| | - Jean C Shih
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Cell and Neurobiology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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15
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Hemmings SMJ, Xulu K, Sommer J, Hinsberger M, Malan-Muller S, Tromp G, Elbert T, Weierstall R, Seedat S. Appetitive and reactive aggression are differentially associated with the STin2 genetic variant in the serotonin transporter gene. Sci Rep 2018; 8:6714. [PMID: 29712944 PMCID: PMC5928100 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-25066-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Appetitive aggression is a sub-category of instrumental aggression, characterised by the primary intrinsic enjoyment of aggressive activity. Aggression is heritable, and serotonergic and monoaminergic neurotransmitter systems have been found to contribute to the underlying molecular mechanisms. The aim of this study was to investigate the role that genetic variants in the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) genes play in the aetiology of appetitive aggression in South African Xhosa males (n = 290). SLC6A4 5-HTTLPR, rs25531, and STin2 variants, as well as MAOA-uVNTR were investigated for their association with levels of appetitive aggression using Poisson regression analysis. The STin2 VNTR12 allele was found to be associated with increased levels of appetitive aggression (p = 0.003), but with decreased levels of reactive aggression (p = 7 × 10-5). This study is the first to investigate genetic underpinnings of appetitive aggression in a South African population, with preliminary evidence suggesting that SCL6A4 STin2 variants play a role in its aetiology, and may also be important in differentiating between appetitive and reactive aggression. Although the results require replication, they shed some preliminary light on the molecular dichotomy that may underlie the two forms of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa.
| | - Khethelo Xulu
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Jessica Sommer
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | | | - Stefanie Malan-Muller
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Gerard Tromp
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
| | - Thomas Elbert
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Roland Weierstall
- Department of Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.,Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
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16
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Exome Pool-Seq in neurodevelopmental disorders. Eur J Hum Genet 2017; 25:1364-1376. [PMID: 29158550 PMCID: PMC5865117 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-017-0022-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High throughput sequencing has greatly advanced disease gene identification, especially in heterogeneous entities. Despite falling costs this is still an expensive and laborious technique, particularly when studying large cohorts. To address this problem we applied Exome Pool-Seq as an economic and fast screening technology in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Sequencing of 96 individuals can be performed in eight pools of 12 samples on less than one Illumina sequencer lane. In a pilot study with 96 cases we identified 27 variants, likely or possibly affecting function. Twenty five of these were identified in 923 established NDD genes (based on SysID database, status November 2016) (ACTB, AHDC1, ANKRD11, ATP6V1B2, ATRX, CASK, CHD8, GNAS, IFIH1, KCNQ2, KMT2A, KRAS, MAOA, MED12, MED13L, RIT1, SETD5, SIN3A, TCF4, TRAPPC11, TUBA1A, WAC, ZBTB18, ZMYND11), two in 543 (SysID) candidate genes (ZNF292, BPTF), and additionally a de novo loss-of-function variant in LRRC7, not previously implicated in NDDs. Most of them were confirmed to be de novo, but we also identified X-linked or autosomal-dominantly or autosomal-recessively inherited variants. With a detection rate of 28%, Exome Pool-Seq achieves comparable results to individual exome analyses but reduces costs by >85%. Compared with other large scale approaches using Molecular Inversion Probes (MIP) or gene panels, it allows flexible re-analysis of data. Exome Pool-Seq is thus well suited for large-scale, cost-efficient and flexible screening in characterized but heterogeneous entities like NDDs.
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17
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Merker S, Reif A, Ziegler GC, Weber H, Mayer U, Ehlis AC, Conzelmann A, Johansson S, Müller-Reible C, Nanda I, Haaf T, Ullmann R, Romanos M, Fallgatter AJ, Pauli P, Strekalova T, Jansch C, Vasquez AA, Haavik J, Ribasés M, Ramos-Quiroga JA, Buitelaar JK, Franke B, Lesch KP. SLC2A3 single-nucleotide polymorphism and duplication influence cognitive processing and population-specific risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2017; 58:798-809. [PMID: 28224622 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.12702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder with profound cognitive, behavioral, and psychosocial impairments with persistence across the life cycle. Our initial genome-wide screening approach for copy number variants (CNVs) in ADHD implicated a duplication of SLC2A3, encoding glucose transporter-3 (GLUT3). GLUT3 plays a critical role in cerebral glucose metabolism, providing energy for the activity of neurons, which, in turn, moderates the excitatory-inhibitory balance impacting both brain development and activity-dependent neural plasticity. We therefore aimed to provide additional genetic and functional evidence for GLUT3 dysfunction in ADHD. METHODS Case-control association analyses of SLC2A3 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and CNVs were conducted in several European cohorts of patients with childhood and adult ADHD (SNP, n = 1,886 vs. 1,988; CNV, n = 1,692 vs. 1,721). These studies were complemented by SLC2A3 expression analyses in peripheral cells, functional EEG recordings during neurocognitive tasks, and ratings of food energy content. RESULTS Meta-analysis of all cohorts detected an association of SNP rs12842 with ADHD. While CNV analysis detected a population-specific enrichment of SLC2A3 duplications only in German ADHD patients, the CNV + rs12842 haplotype influenced ADHD risk in both the German and Spanish cohorts. Duplication carriers displayed elevated SLC2A3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood cells and altered event-related potentials reflecting deficits in working memory and cognitive response control, both endophenotypic traits of ADHD, and an underestimation of energy units of high-caloric food. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our results indicate that both common and rare SLC2A3 variation impacting regulation of neuronal glucose utilization and energy homeostasis may result in neurocognitive deficits known to contribute to ADHD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sören Merker
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, ADHD Clinical Research Unit, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas Reif
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Georg C Ziegler
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, ADHD Clinical Research Unit, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heike Weber
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, ADHD Clinical Research Unit, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ute Mayer
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, ADHD Clinical Research Unit, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Christine Ehlis
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annette Conzelmann
- Department of Psychology I, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Johansson
- K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Indrajit Nanda
- Department of Human Genetics, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Department of Human Genetics, Biozentrum, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Ullmann
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.,Bundeswehr Institute of Radiobiology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marcel Romanos
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Andreas J Fallgatter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Paul Pauli
- Department of Psychology I, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, ADHD Clinical Research Unit, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Charline Jansch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, ADHD Clinical Research Unit, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Alejandro Arias Vasquez
- Departments of Human Genetics and Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Haavik
- Division of Psychiatry, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Biomedicine, K.G. Jebsen Centre for Neuropsychiatric Disorders, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marta Ribasés
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Institute Vall d'Hebron Research (VHIR), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Antoni Ramos-Quiroga
- Psychiatric Genetics Unit, Institute Vall d'Hebron Research (VHIR), Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Network Research Centre on Mental Health (CIBERSAM), Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Psychiatry and Legal Medicine, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jan K Buitelaar
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Barbara Franke
- Departments of Human Genetics and Psychiatry, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, ADHD Clinical Research Unit, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Translational Neuroscience, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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18
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Kolla NJ, Vinette SA. Monoamine Oxidase A in Antisocial Personality Disorder and Borderline Personality Disorder. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep 2017; 4:41-48. [PMID: 29568721 PMCID: PMC5846806 DOI: 10.1007/s40473-017-0102-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Variation in the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) gene and MAO-A enzyme levels have been linked to antisocial behavior and aggression in clinical and non-clinical populations. Here, we provide an overview of the genetic, epigenetic, and neuroimaging research that has examined MAO-A structure and function in antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Recent Findings The low-activity MAO-A variable nucleotide tandem repeat genetic polymorphism has shown a robust association with large samples of violent and seriously violent offenders, many of whom had ASPD. A recent positron emission tomography (PET) study of ASPD similarly revealed low MAO-A density in brain regions thought to contribute to the psychopathology of the condition. By contrast, PET has also demonstrated that brain MAO-A levels are increased in BPD and that they relate to symptoms of low mood and suicidality. Summary Candidate gene studies have produced the most compelling evidence connecting MAO-A genetic variants to both ASPD and BPD. Still, conflicting results abound in the literature, making it highly unlikely that ASPD or BPD is related to a specific MAO-A genetic variant. Future research should strive to examine how MAO-A genotypes interact with broad-spectrum environmental influences to produce brain endophenotypes that may ultimately become tractable targets for novel treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan J Kolla
- 1Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON Canada.,2Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON Canada.,3Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Sarah A Vinette
- 1Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON Canada
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19
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Godar SC, Fite PJ, McFarlin KM, Bortolato M. The role of monoamine oxidase A in aggression: Current translational developments and future challenges. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 69:90-100. [PMID: 26776902 PMCID: PMC4865459 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2016.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2015] [Revised: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Drawing upon the recent resurgence of biological criminology, several studies have highlighted a critical role for genetic factors in the ontogeny of antisocial and violent conduct. In particular, converging lines of evidence have documented that these maladaptive manifestations of aggression are influenced by monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), the enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of brain serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. The interest on the link between MAOA and aggression was originally sparked by Han Brunner's discovery of a syndrome characterized by marked antisocial behaviors in male carriers of a nonsense mutation of this gene. Subsequent studies showed that MAOA allelic variants associated with low enzyme activity moderate the impact of early-life maltreatment on aggression propensity. In spite of overwhelming evidence pointing to the relationship between MAOA and aggression, the neurobiological substrates of this link remain surprisingly elusive; very little is also known about the interventions that may reduce the severity of pathological aggression in genetically predisposed subjects. Animal models offer a unique experimental tool to investigate these issues; in particular, several lines of transgenic mice harboring total or partial loss-of-function Maoa mutations have been shown to recapitulate numerous psychological and neurofunctional endophenotypes observed in humans. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the link between MAOA and aggression; in particular, we will emphasize how an integrated translational strategy coordinating clinical and preclinical research may prove critical to elucidate important aspects of the pathophysiology of aggression, and identify potential targets for its diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean C Godar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA
| | - Paula J Fite
- Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Clinical Child Psychology Program, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA
| | - Kenneth M McFarlin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA
| | - Marco Bortolato
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA; Consortium for Translational Research on Aggression and Drug Abuse (ConTRADA), University of Kansas, Lawrence, (KS), USA.
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Casanova EL, Sharp JL, Chakraborty H, Sumi NS, Casanova MF. Genes with high penetrance for syndromic and non-syndromic autism typically function within the nucleus and regulate gene expression. Mol Autism 2016; 7:18. [PMID: 26985359 PMCID: PMC4793536 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-016-0082-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intellectual disability (ID), autism, and epilepsy share frequent yet variable comorbidities with one another. In order to better understand potential genetic divergence underlying this variable risk, we studied genes responsible for monogenic IDs, grouped according to their autism and epilepsy comorbidities. METHODS Utilizing 465 different forms of ID with known molecular origins, we accessed available genetic databases in conjunction with gene ontology (GO) to determine whether the genetics underlying ID diverge according to its comorbidities with autism and epilepsy and if genes highly penetrant for autism or epilepsy share distinctive features that set them apart from genes that confer comparatively variable or no apparent risk. RESULTS The genetics of ID with autism are relatively enriched in terms associated with nervous system-specific processes and structural morphogenesis. In contrast, we find that ID with highly comorbid epilepsy (HCE) is modestly associated with lipid metabolic processes while ID without autism or epilepsy comorbidity (ID only) is enriched at the Golgi membrane. Highly comorbid autism (HCA) genes, on the other hand, are strongly enriched within the nucleus, are typically involved in regulation of gene expression, and, along with IDs with more variable autism, share strong ties with a core protein-protein interaction (PPI) network integral to basic patterning of the CNS. CONCLUSIONS According to GO terminology, autism-related gene products are integral to neural development. While it is difficult to draw firm conclusions regarding IDs unassociated with autism, it is clear that the majority of HCA genes are tightly linked with general dysregulation of gene expression, suggesting that disturbances to the chronology of neural maturation and patterning may be key in conferring susceptibility to autism spectrum conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L. Casanova
- />Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
- />Department of Pediatrics, Greenville Health System, Patewood Medical Campus, 200A Patewood Dr, Greenville, SC 29615 USA
| | - Julia L. Sharp
- />Department of Mathematical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, USA
| | - Hrishikesh Chakraborty
- />Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Nahid Sultana Sumi
- />Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
| | - Manuel F. Casanova
- />Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, South Carolina, USA
- />Department of Pediatrics, Greenville Health System, Patewood Medical Campus, 200A Patewood Dr, Greenville, SC 29615 USA
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