1
|
Zaki ZMM, Ali SA, Ghazali MM, Jam FA. Genetic Modifications of Developmental Dyslexia and Its Representation Using In Vivo, In Vitro Model. Glob Med Genet 2024; 11:76-85. [PMID: 38414980 PMCID: PMC10898997 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1781456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Dyslexia is a genetic and heritable disorder that has yet to discover the treatment of it, especially at the molecular and drug intervention levels. This review provides an overview of the current findings on the environmental and genetic factors involved in developmental dyslexia. The latest techniques used in diagnosing the disease and macromolecular factors findings may contribute to a higher degree of development in detangling the proper management and treatment for dyslexic individuals. Furthermore, this review tried to put together all the models used in the current dyslexia research for references in future studies that include animal models as well as in vitro models and how the previous research has provided consistent data across many years and regions. Thus, we suggest furthering the studies using an organoid model based on the existing gene polymorphism, pathways, and neuronal function input.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zakiyyah M M Zaki
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Siti A Ali
- Department of Electronic Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
- Centre for Healthcare Science and Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kampar, Perak, Malaysia
| | - Mazira M Ghazali
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Faidruz A Jam
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Manipal University College Malaysia, Melaka, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Niu Y, Cai H, Zhang L. The Moderating Role of the DYX1C1 Gene in the Effect of Home Supervision on Chinese Children's Reading Achievements: Evidence from the Diathesis-Stress Model. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:891. [PMID: 37998638 PMCID: PMC10669724 DOI: 10.3390/bs13110891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to explore whether susceptible children (with differences in DYX1C1 (dyslexia susceptibility 1 candidate gene 1) gene) are more likely to be influenced by either supportive or adverse home supervision in their reading achievements. Home supervision, reading achievements, and genotype data were collected from a total of 745 fourth and fifth grade children and their parents in Chongqing, China. The results showed that there was a significant interaction between the rs11629841 polymorphism of the DYX1C1 gene and home supervision on children's reading achievements. A further analysis based on the re-parameterized regression model showed that the interaction best fit a weak diathesis-stress model, which indicated that the home supervision had a stronger predictive effect on children's reading achievements among children with the susceptible genotype than children with a non-susceptible genotype in a more adverse environment rather than in a supportive environment. These results suggested that children carrying different genotypes may need targeted interventions and that their parents should emphasize home supervision to develop their children's reading skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yingnan Niu
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, XinJieKouWai St., HaiDian District, Beijing 100875, China; (Y.N.); (H.C.)
| | - He Cai
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Assessment for Basic Education Quality, Beijing Normal University, No. 19, XinJieKouWai St., HaiDian District, Beijing 100875, China; (Y.N.); (H.C.)
| | - Li Zhang
- School of Sociology and Psychology, Central University of Finance and Economics, 39 South College Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100081, China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Unger N, Heim S, Hilger DI, Bludau S, Pieperhoff P, Cichon S, Amunts K, Mühleisen TW. Identification of Phonology-Related Genes and Functional Characterization of Broca's and Wernicke's Regions in Language and Learning Disorders. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:680762. [PMID: 34539327 PMCID: PMC8446646 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.680762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired phonological processing is a leading symptom of multifactorial language and learning disorders suggesting a common biological basis. Here we evaluated studies of dyslexia, dyscalculia, specific language impairment (SLI), and the logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) seeking for shared risk genes in Broca's and Wernicke's regions, being key for phonological processing within the complex language network. The identified "phonology-related genes" from literature were functionally characterized using Atlas-based expression mapping (JuGEx) and gene set enrichment. Out of 643 publications from the last decade until now, we extracted 21 candidate genes of which 13 overlapped with dyslexia and SLI, six with dyslexia and dyscalculia, and two with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and SLI. No overlap was observed between the childhood disorders and the late-onset lvPPA often showing symptoms of learning disorders earlier in life. Multiple genes were enriched in Gene Ontology terms of the topics learning (CNTNAP2, CYFIP1, DCDC2, DNAAF4, FOXP2) and neuronal development (CCDC136, CNTNAP2, CYFIP1, DCDC2, KIAA0319, RBFOX2, ROBO1). Twelve genes showed above-average expression across both regions indicating moderate-to-high gene activity in the investigated cortical part of the language network. Of these, three genes were differentially expressed suggesting potential regional specializations: ATP2C2 was upregulated in Broca's region, while DNAAF4 and FOXP2 were upregulated in Wernicke's region. ATP2C2 encodes a magnesium-dependent calcium transporter which fits with reports about disturbed calcium and magnesium levels for dyslexia and other communication disorders. DNAAF4 (formerly known as DYX1C1) is involved in neuronal migration supporting the hypothesis of disturbed migration in dyslexia. FOXP2 is a transcription factor that regulates a number of genes involved in development of speech and language. Overall, our interdisciplinary and multi-tiered approach provided evidence that genetic and transcriptional variation of ATP2C2, DNAAF4, and FOXP2 may play a role in physiological and pathological aspects of phonological processing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nina Unger
- Cécile and Oskar Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Stefan Heim
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- JARA-Brain, Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance, Jülich, Germany
| | - Dominique I. Hilger
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bludau
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Peter Pieperhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Sven Cichon
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Katrin Amunts
- Cécile and Oskar Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- JARA-Brain, Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance, Jülich, Germany
| | - Thomas W. Mühleisen
- Cécile and Oskar Vogt Institute for Brain Research, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Landi N, Perdue M. Neuroimaging genetics studies of specific reading disability and developmental language disorder: A review. LANGUAGE AND LINGUISTICS COMPASS 2019; 13:e12349. [PMID: 31844423 PMCID: PMC6913889 DOI: 10.1111/lnc3.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Developmental disorders of spoken and written language are heterogeneous in nature with impairments observed across various linguistic, cognitive, and sensorimotor domains. These disorders are also associated with characteristic patterns of atypical neural structure and function that are observable early in development, often before formal schooling begins. Established patterns of heritability point toward genetic contributions, and molecular genetics approaches have identified genes that play a role in these disorders. Still, identified genes account for only a limited portion of phenotypic variance in complex developmental disorders, described as the problem of "missing heritability." The characterization of intermediate phenotypes at the neural level may fill gaps in our understanding of heritability patterns in complex disorders, and the emerging field of neuroimaging genetics offers a promising approach to accomplish this goal. The neuroimaging genetics approach is gaining prevalence in language- and reading-related research as it is well-suited to incorporate behavior, genetics, and neurobiology into coherent etiological models of complex developmental disorders. Here, we review research applying the neuroimaging genetics approach to the study of specific reading disability (SRD) and developmental language disorder (DLD), much of which links genes with known neurodevelopmental function to functional and structural abnormalities in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Landi
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States; Haskins Laboratories, United States
| | - Meaghan Perdue
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, United States; Haskins Laboratories, United States
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
The Influence of Dyslexia Candidate Genes on Reading Skill in Old Age. Behav Genet 2018; 48:351-360. [PMID: 29959602 PMCID: PMC6097729 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-018-9913-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
A number of candidate genes for reading and language impairment have been replicated, primarily in samples of children with developmental disability or delay, although these genes are also supported in adolescent population samples. The present study used a systematic approach to test 14 of these candidate genes for association with reading assessed in late adulthood (two cohorts with mean ages of 70 and 79 years). Gene-sets (14 candidates, axon-guidance and neuron migration pathways) and individual SNPs within each gene of interest were tested for association using imputed data referenced to the 1000 genomes European panel. Using the results from the genome-wide association (GWA) meta-analysis of the two cohorts (N = 1217), a competitive gene-set analysis showed that the candidate gene-set was associated with the reading index (p = .016) at a family wise error rate corrected significance level. Neither axon guidance nor neuron migration pathways were significant. Whereas individual SNP associations within CYP19A1, DYX1C1, CNTNAP2 and DIP2A genes (p < .05) did not reach corrected significance their allelic effects were in the same direction as past available reports. These results suggest that reading skill in normal adults shares the same genetic substrate as reading in adolescents, and clinically disordered reading, and highlights the utility of adult samples to increase sample sizes in the genetic study of developmental disorders.
Collapse
|
6
|
The influence of DCDC2 risk genetic variants on reading: Testing main and haplotypic effects. Neuropsychologia 2018; 130:52-58. [PMID: 29803723 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a complex neurodevelopmental heritable disorder. Among DD candidate genes, DCDC2 is one of the most replicated, with rs793862, READ1 and rs793842 likely contribute to phenotypic variability in reading (dis)ability. In this study, we tested the effects of these genetic variants on DD as a categorical trait and on quantitative reading-related measures in a sample of 555 Italian nuclear families with 930 offspring, of which 687 were diagnosed with DD. We conducted both single-marker and haplotype analyses, finding that the READ1-deletion was significantly associated with reading, whereas no significant haplotype associations were found. Our findings add further evidence to support the hypothesis of a DCDC2 contribution to inter-individual variation in distinct indicators of reading (dis)ability in transparent languages (i.e., reading accuracy and speed), suggesting a potential pleiotropic effect.
Collapse
|
7
|
Müller B, Boltze J, Czepezauer I, Hesse V, Wilcke A, Kirsten H. Dyslexia risk variant rs600753 is linked with dyslexia-specific differential allelic expression of DYX1C1. Genet Mol Biol 2018; 41:41-49. [PMID: 29473935 PMCID: PMC5901500 DOI: 10.1590/1678-4685-gmb-2017-0165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of genetic variants involved in dyslexia development were
discovered during the last years, yet little is known about the molecular
functional mechanisms of these SNPs. In this study we investigated whether
dyslexia candidate SNPs have a direct, disease-specific effect on local
expression levels of the assumed target gene by using a differential allelic
expression assay. In total, 12 SNPs previously associated with dyslexia and
related phenotypes were suitable for analysis. Transcripts corresponding to four
SNPs were sufficiently expressed in 28 cell lines originating from controls and
a family affected by dyslexia. We observed a significant effect of rs600753 on
expression levels of DYX1C1 in forward and reverse sequencing
approaches. The expression level of the rs600753 risk allele was increased in
the respective seven cell lines from members of the dyslexia family which might
be due to a disturbed transcription factor binding sites. When considering our
results in the context of neuroanatomical dyslexia-specific findings, we
speculate that this mechanism may be part of the pathomechanisms underlying the
dyslexia-specific brain phenotype. Our results suggest that allele-specific
DYX1C1 expression levels depend on genetic variants of
rs600753 and contribute to dyslexia. However, these results are preliminary and
need replication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bent Müller
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Boltze
- Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology, Department of Medical Cell Technology, Lübeck, Germany.,Institute for Medical and Marine Biotechnology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ivonne Czepezauer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Volker Hesse
- German Center for Growth, Development and Health Encouragement in Childhood and Adolescence, Berlin, Germany.,Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Institute for Experimental Paediatric Endocrinolgy, Berlin
| | | | - Arndt Wilcke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Holger Kirsten
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE - Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mascheretti S, Gori S, Trezzi V, Ruffino M, Facoetti A, Marino C. Visual motion and rapid auditory processing are solid endophenotypes of developmental dyslexia. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2017; 17:70-81. [PMID: 28834383 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although a genetic component is known to have an important role in the etiology of developmental dyslexia (DD), we are far from understanding the molecular etiopathogenetic pathways. Reduced measures of neurobiological functioning related to reading (dis)ability, i.e. endophenotypes (EPs), are promising targets for gene finding and the elucidation of the underlying mechanisms. In a sample of 100 nuclear families with DD (229 offspring) and 83 unrelated typical readers, we tested whether a set of well-established, cognitive phenotypes related to DD [i.e. rapid auditory processing (RAP), rapid automatized naming (RAN), multisensory nonspatial attention and visual motion processing] fulfilled the criteria of the EP construct. Visual motion and RAP satisfied all testable criteria (i.e. they are heritable, associate with the disorder, co-segregate with the disorder within a family and represent reproducible measures) and are therefore solid EPs of DD. Multisensory nonspatial attention satisfied three of four criteria (i.e. it associates with the disorder, co-segregates with the disorder within a family and represents a reproducible measure) and is therefore a potential EP for DD. Rapid automatized naming is heritable but does not meet other criteria of the EP construct. We provide the first evidence of a methodologically and statistically sound approach for identifying EPs for DD to be exploited as a solid alternative basis to clinical phenotypes in neuroscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S. Mascheretti
- Child Psychopathology Unit; Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini Italy
| | - S. Gori
- Child Psychopathology Unit; Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini Italy
- Department of Human and Social Sciences; University of Bergamo; Bergamo Italy
| | - V. Trezzi
- Child Psychopathology Unit; Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini Italy
| | - M. Ruffino
- Child Psychopathology Unit; Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini Italy
| | - A. Facoetti
- Child Psychopathology Unit; Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini Italy
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology; University of Padua; Padua Italy
| | - C. Marino
- Child Psychopathology Unit; Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini Italy
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; University of Toronto; ON Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Trulioff A, Ermakov A, Malashichev Y. Primary Cilia as a Possible Link between Left-Right Asymmetry and Neurodevelopmental Diseases. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8020048. [PMID: 28125008 PMCID: PMC5333037 DOI: 10.3390/genes8020048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cilia have multiple functions in the development of the entire organism, and participate in the development and functioning of the central nervous system. In the last decade, studies have shown that they are implicated in the development of the visceral left-right asymmetry in different vertebrates. At the same time, some neuropsychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder, and dyslexia, are known to be associated with lateralization failure. In this review, we consider possible links in the mechanisms of determination of visceral asymmetry and brain lateralization, through cilia. We review the functions of seven genes associated with both cilia, and with neurodevelopmental diseases, keeping in mind their possible role in the establishment of the left-right brain asymmetry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Trulioff
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab., 7/9, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia.
| | - Alexander Ermakov
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab., 7/9, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia.
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Ecological Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, ul. Akad. Pavlov, 12, Saint Petersburg 197376, Russia.
| | - Yegor Malashichev
- Department of Vertebrate Zoology, Faculty of Biology, Saint Petersburg State University, Universitetskaya nab., 7/9, Saint Petersburg 199034, Russia.
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Ecological Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, ul. Akad. Pavlov, 12, Saint Petersburg 197376, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Neurogenetics of developmental dyslexia: from genes to behavior through brain neuroimaging and cognitive and sensorial mechanisms. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e987. [PMID: 28045463 PMCID: PMC5545717 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a complex neurodevelopmental deficit characterized by impaired reading acquisition, in spite of adequate neurological and sensorial conditions, educational opportunities and normal intelligence. Despite the successful characterization of DD-susceptibility genes, we are far from understanding the molecular etiological pathways underlying the development of reading (dis)ability. By focusing mainly on clinical phenotypes, the molecular genetics approach has yielded mixed results. More optimally reduced measures of functioning, that is, intermediate phenotypes (IPs), represent a target for researching disease-associated genetic variants and for elucidating the underlying mechanisms. Imaging data provide a viable IP for complex neurobehavioral disorders and have been extensively used to investigate both morphological, structural and functional brain abnormalities in DD. Performing joint genetic and neuroimaging studies in humans is an emerging strategy to link DD-candidate genes to the brain structure and function. A limited number of studies has already pursued the imaging-genetics integration in DD. However, the results are still not sufficient to unravel the complexity of the reading circuit due to heterogeneous study design and data processing. Here, we propose an interdisciplinary, multilevel, imaging-genetic approach to disentangle the pathways from genes to behavior. As the presence of putative functional genetic variants has been provided and as genetic associations with specific cognitive/sensorial mechanisms have been reported, new hypothesis-driven imaging-genetic studies must gain momentum. This approach would lead to the optimization of diagnostic criteria and to the early identification of 'biologically at-risk' children, supporting the definition of adequate and well-timed prevention strategies and the implementation of novel, specific remediation approach.
Collapse
|
11
|
Eicher JD, Montgomery AM, Akshoomoff N, Amaral DG, Bloss CS, Libiger O, Schork NJ, Darst BF, Casey BJ, Chang L, Ernst T, Frazier J, Kaufmann WE, Keating B, Kenet T, Kennedy D, Mostofsky S, Murray SS, Sowell ER, Bartsch H, Kuperman JM, Brown TT, Hagler DJ, Dale AM, Jernigan TL, Gruen JR. Dyslexia and language impairment associated genetic markers influence cortical thickness and white matter in typically developing children. Brain Imaging Behav 2016; 10:272-82. [PMID: 25953057 PMCID: PMC4639472 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-015-9392-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Dyslexia and language impairment (LI) are complex traits with substantial genetic components. We recently completed an association scan of the DYX2 locus, where we observed associations of markers in DCDC2, KIAA0319, ACOT13, and FAM65B with reading-, language-, and IQ-related traits. Additionally, the effects of reading-associated DYX3 markers were recently characterized using structural neuroimaging techniques. Here, we assessed the neuroimaging implications of associated DYX2 and DYX3 markers, using cortical volume, cortical thickness, and fractional anisotropy. To accomplish this, we examined eight DYX2 and three DYX3 markers in 332 subjects in the Pediatrics Imaging Neurocognition Genetics study. Imaging-genetic associations were examined by multiple linear regression, testing for influence of genotype on neuroimaging. Markers in DYX2 genes KIAA0319 and FAM65B were associated with cortical thickness in the left orbitofrontal region and global fractional anisotropy, respectively. KIAA0319 and ACOT13 were suggestively associated with overall fractional anisotropy and left pars opercularis cortical thickness, respectively. DYX3 markers showed suggestive associations with cortical thickness and volume measures in temporal regions. Notably, we did not replicate association of DYX3 markers with hippocampal measures. In summary, we performed a neuroimaging follow-up of reading-, language-, and IQ-associated DYX2 and DYX3 markers. DYX2 associations with cortical thickness may reflect variations in their role in neuronal migration. Furthermore, our findings complement gene expression and imaging studies implicating DYX3 markers in temporal regions. These studies offer insight into where and how DYX2 and DYX3 risk variants may influence neuroimaging traits. Future studies should further connect the pathways to risk variants associated with neuroimaging/neurocognitive outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John D Eicher
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Angela M Montgomery
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Natacha Akshoomoff
- Center for Human Development, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - David G Amaral
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Cinnamon S Bloss
- Scripps Genomic Medicine, Scripps Health, Scripps Translational Science Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Ondrej Libiger
- Scripps Genomic Medicine, Scripps Health, Scripps Translational Science Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Nicholas J Schork
- Scripps Genomic Medicine, Scripps Health, Scripps Translational Science Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Burcu F Darst
- Scripps Genomic Medicine, Scripps Health, Scripps Translational Science Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - B J Casey
- Sackler Institute for Developmental Psychobiology, Weil Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Linda Chang
- Department of Medicine, Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Department of Medicine, Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Jean Frazier
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Walter E Kaufmann
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Brian Keating
- Department of Medicine, Queen's Medical Center, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA
| | - Tal Kenet
- Department of Neurology and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, 02129, USA
| | - David Kennedy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Boston, MA, 01655, USA
| | - Stewart Mostofsky
- Kennedy Krieger Institute, 707 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Sarah S Murray
- Scripps Genomic Medicine, Scripps Health, Scripps Translational Science Institute, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Sowell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
- Developmental Cognitive Neuroimaging Laboratory Children's Hospital, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Hauke Bartsch
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Joshua M Kuperman
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Timothy T Brown
- Center for Human Development, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Donald J Hagler
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Radiology University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Anders M Dale
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Multimodal Imaging Laboratory, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Radiology University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Cognitive Science University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Terry L Jernigan
- Center for Human Development, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Radiology University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
- Cognitive Science University of California, La Jolla, San Diego, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jeffrey R Gruen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Investigative, School of Medicine, Medicine Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Genetics, and Investigative Medicine, Yale Child Health Research Center, 464 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT, 06520-8081, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
D'Souza S, Backhouse-Smith A, Thompson JMD, Slykerman R, Marlow G, Wall C, Murphy R, Ferguson LR, Mitchell EA, Waldie KE. Associations Between the KIAA0319 Dyslexia Susceptibility Gene Variants, Antenatal Maternal Stress, and Reading Ability in a Longitudinal Birth Cohort. DYSLEXIA (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND) 2016; 22:379-393. [PMID: 27465261 DOI: 10.1002/dys.1534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal stress during pregnancy has been associated with detrimental cognitive developmental outcomes in offspring. This study investigated whether antenatal maternal perceived stress and variants of the rs12193738 and rs2179515 polymorphisms on the KIAA0319 gene interact to affect reading ability and full-scale IQ (FSIQ) in members of the longitudinal Auckland Birthweight Collaborative study. Antenatal maternal stress was measured at birth, and reading ability was assessed at ages 7 and 16. Reading data were available for 500 participants at age 7 and 479 participants at age 16. FSIQ was measured at ages 7 and 11. At age 11, DNA samples were collected. Analyses of covariance revealed that individuals with the TT genotype of the rs12193738 polymorphism exposed to high maternal stress during pregnancy possessed significantly poorer reading ability (as measured by Woodcock-Johnson Word Identification standard scores) during adolescence compared with TT carriers exposed to low maternal stress. TT carriers of the rs12193738 SNP also obtained lower IQ scores at age 7 than C allele carriers. These findings suggest that the KIAA0319 gene is associated with both reading ability and general cognition, but in different ways. The effect on IQ appears to occur earlier in development and is transient, whereas the effect of reading ability occurs later and is moderated by antenatal maternal stress. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie D'Souza
- School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - John M D Thompson
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Slykerman
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gareth Marlow
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Clare Wall
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rinki Murphy
- Department of Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Lynnette R Ferguson
- Discipline of Nutrition and Dietetics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Edwin A Mitchell
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Karen E Waldie
- School of Psychology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Müller B, Wilcke A, Czepezauer I, Ahnert P, Boltze J, Kirsten H. Association, characterisation and meta-analysis of SNPs linked to general reading ability in a German dyslexia case-control cohort. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27901. [PMID: 27312598 PMCID: PMC4911550 DOI: 10.1038/srep27901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyslexia is a severe disorder in the acquisition of reading and writing. Several studies investigated the role of genetics for reading, writing and spelling ability in the general population. However, many of the identified SNPs were not analysed in case-control cohorts. Here, we investigated SNPs previously linked to reading or spelling ability in the general population in a German case-control cohort. Furthermore, we characterised these SNPs for functional relevance with in silico methods and meta-analysed them with previous studies. A total of 16 SNPs within five genes were included. The total number of risk alleles was higher in cases than in controls. Three SNPs were nominally associated with dyslexia: rs7765678 within DCDC2, and rs2038137 and rs6935076 within KIAA0319. The relevance of rs2038137 and rs6935076 was further supported by the meta-analysis. Functional profiling included analysis of tissue-specific expression, annotations for regulatory elements and effects on gene expression levels (eQTLs). Thereby, we found molecular mechanistical implications for 13 of all 16 included SNPs. SNPs associated in our cohort showed stronger gene-specific eQTL effects than non-associated SNPs. In summary, our results validate SNPs previously linked to reading and spelling in the general population in dyslexics and provide insights into their putative molecular pathomechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bent Müller
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arndt Wilcke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany.,Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ivonne Czepezauer
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Peter Ahnert
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE-Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Johannes Boltze
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany.,Fraunhofer Research Institution for Marine Biotechnology, Department of Medical Cell Technology, Lübeck, Germany.,Institute for Medical and Marine Biotechnology, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Holger Kirsten
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany.,Translational Centre for Regenerative Medicine (TRM), Leipzig, Germany.,Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.,LIFE-Leipzig Research Center for Civilization Diseases, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Townsend ML, Riepsamen A, Georgiou C, Flood VM, Caputi P, Wright IM, Davis WS, Jones A, Larkin TA, Williamson MJ, Grenyer BFS. Longitudinal Intergenerational Birth Cohort Designs: A Systematic Review of Australian and New Zealand Studies. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150491. [PMID: 26991330 PMCID: PMC4798594 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The longitudinal birth cohort design has yielded a substantial contribution to knowledge of child health and development. The last full review in New Zealand and Australia in 2004 identified 13 studies. Since then, birth cohort designs continue to be an important tool in understanding how intrauterine, infant and childhood development affect long-term health and well-being. This updated review in a defined geographical area was conducted to better understand the factors associated with successful quality and productivity, and greater scientific and policy contribution and scope. METHODS We adopted the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) approach, searching PubMed, Scopus, Cinahl, Medline, Science Direct and ProQuest between 1963 and 2013. Experts were consulted regarding further studies. Five inclusion criteria were used: (1) have longitudinally tracked a birth cohort, (2) have collected data on the child and at least one parent or caregiver (3) be based in Australia or New Zealand, (4) be empirical in design, and (5) have been published in English. RESULTS 10665 records were initially retrieved from which 23 birth cohort studies met the selection criteria. Together these studies recruited 91,196 participants, with 38,600 mothers, 14,206 fathers and 38,390 live births. Seventeen studies were located in Australia and six in New Zealand. Research questions initially focused on the perinatal period, but as studies matured, longer-term effects and outcomes were examined. CONCLUSIONS This review demonstrates the significant yield from this effort both in terms of scientific discovery and social policy impact. Further opportunities have been recognised with cross-study collaboration and pooling of data between established and newer studies and international studies to investigate global health determinants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L. Townsend
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Angelique Riepsamen
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christos Georgiou
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Eastern Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Monash University, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Services, Eastern Health Clinical School, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Victoria M. Flood
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- St Vincent’s Hospital, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Caputi
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian M. Wright
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Warren S. Davis
- Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, NSW Health, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison Jones
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Theresa A. Larkin
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- Graduate School of Medicine, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | - Moira J. Williamson
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia
| | - Brin F. S. Grenyer
- Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
- School of Psychology, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mozzi A, Forni D, Clerici M, Pozzoli U, Mascheretti S, Guerini FR, Riva S, Bresolin N, Cagliani R, Sironi M. The evolutionary history of genes involved in spoken and written language: beyond FOXP2. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22157. [PMID: 26912479 PMCID: PMC4766443 DOI: 10.1038/srep22157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans possess a communication system based on spoken and written language. Other animals can learn vocalization by imitation, but this is not equivalent to human language. Many genes were described to be implicated in language impairment (LI) and developmental dyslexia (DD), but their evolutionary history has not been thoroughly analyzed. Herein we analyzed the evolution of ten genes involved in DD and LI. Results show that the evolutionary history of LI genes for mammals and aves was comparable in vocal-learner species and non-learners. For the human lineage, several sites showing evidence of positive selection were identified in KIAA0319 and were already present in Neanderthals and Denisovans, suggesting that any phenotypic change they entailed was shared with archaic hominins. Conversely, in FOXP2, ROBO1, ROBO2, and CNTNAP2 non-coding changes rose to high frequency after the separation from archaic hominins. These variants are promising candidates for association studies in LI and DD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Mozzi
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Diego Forni
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Mario Clerici
- Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, 20090 Milan, Italy
- Don C. Gnocchi Foundation ONLUS, IRCCS, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Uberto Pozzoli
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Sara Mascheretti
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Riva
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Nereo Bresolin
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
- Dino Ferrari Centre, Department of Physiopathology and Transplantation, University of Milan, Fondazione Ca’ Granda IRCCS Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Rachele Cagliani
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Manuela Sironi
- Bioinformatics, Scientific Institute IRCCS E. MEDEA, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
A Western dietary pattern is associated with poor academic performance in Australian adolescents. Nutrients 2015; 7:2961-82. [PMID: 25898417 PMCID: PMC4425183 DOI: 10.3390/nu7042961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate cross-sectional associations between dietary patterns and academic performance among 14-year-old adolescents. Study participants were from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. A food frequency questionnaire was administered when the adolescents were 14 years old, and from the dietary data, a 'Healthy' and a 'Western' dietary pattern were identified by factor analysis. The Western Australian Literacy and Numeracy Assessment (WALNA) results from grade nine (age 14) were linked to the Raine Study data by The Western Australian Data Linkage Branch. Associations between the dietary patterns and the WALNA (mathematics, reading and writing scores) were assessed using multivariate linear regression models adjusting for family and socioeconomic characteristics. Complete data on dietary patterns, academic performance and covariates were available for individuals across the different analyses as follows: n = 779 for mathematics, n = 741 for reading and n = 470 for writing. Following adjustment, significant negative associations between the 'Western' dietary pattern and test scores for mathematics (β = -13.14; 95% CI: -24.57; -1.76); p = 0.024) and reading (β = -19.16; 95% CI: -29.85; -8.47; p ≤ 0.001) were observed. A similar trend was found with respect to writing (β = -17.28; 95% CI: -35.74; 1.18; p = 0.066). ANOVA showed significant trends in estimated means of academic scores across quartiles for both the Western and Healthy patterns. Higher scores for the 'Western' dietary pattern are associated with poorer academic performance in adolescence.
Collapse
|
17
|
The role of DCDC2 genetic variants and low socioeconomic status in vulnerability to attention problems. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2015; 24:309-18. [PMID: 25012462 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-014-0580-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Both genetic and socio-demographic factors influence the risk for behavioral problems in the developmental age. Genetic studies indicate that shared genetic factors partially contribute to behavioral and learning problems, in particular reading disabilities (RD). For the first time, we explore the conjoint role of DCDC2 gene, an identified RD candidate gene, and socioeconomic status (SES) upon behavioral phenotypes in a general population of Italian children. Two of the most replicated DCDC2 markers [i.e., regulatory element associated with dyslexia 1 (READ1), rs793862] were genotyped in 631 children (boys = 314; girls = 317) aged 11-14 years belonging to a community-based sample. Main and interactive effects were tested by MANOVA for each combination of DCDC2 genotypes and socioeconomic status upon emotional and behavioral phenotypes, assessed by Child Behavior Check-List/6-18. The two-way MANOVA (Bonferroni corrected p value = 0.01) revealed a trend toward significance of READ1(4) effect (F = 2.39; p = 0.016), a significant main effect of SES (F = 3.01; p = 0.003) and interactive effect of READ1(4) × SES (F = 2.65; p = 0.007) upon behavioral measures, showing higher attention problems scores among subjects 'READ1(4+) and low SES' compared to all other groups (p values range 0.00003-0.0004). ANOVAs stratified by gender confirmed main and interactive effects among girls, but not boys. Among children exposed to low socioeconomic level, READ1 genetic variant targets the worst outcome in children's attention.
Collapse
|
18
|
Insights into the genetic foundations of human communication. Neuropsychol Rev 2015; 25:3-26. [PMID: 25597031 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-014-9277-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human capacity to acquire sophisticated language is unmatched in the animal kingdom. Despite the discontinuity in communicative abilities between humans and other primates, language is built on ancient genetic foundations, which are being illuminated by comparative genomics. The genetic architecture of the language faculty is also being uncovered by research into neurodevelopmental disorders that disrupt the normally effortless process of language acquisition. In this article, we discuss the strategies that researchers are using to reveal genetic factors contributing to communicative abilities, and review progress in identifying the relevant genes and genetic variants. The first gene directly implicated in a speech and language disorder was FOXP2. Using this gene as a case study, we illustrate how evidence from genetics, molecular cell biology, animal models and human neuroimaging has converged to build a picture of the role of FOXP2 in neurodevelopment, providing a framework for future endeavors to bridge the gaps between genes, brains and behavior.
Collapse
|
19
|
Eicher JD, Gruen JR. Language impairment and dyslexia genes influence language skills in children with autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2014; 8:229-34. [PMID: 25448322 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 10/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Language and communication development is a complex process influenced by numerous environmental and genetic factors. Many neurodevelopment disorders include deficits in language and communication skills in their diagnostic criteria, including autism spectrum disorders (ASD), language impairment (LI), and dyslexia. These disorders are polygenic and complex with a significant genetic component contributing to each. The similarity of language phenotypes and comorbidity of these disorders suggest that they may share genetic contributors. To test this, we examined the association of genes previously implicated in dyslexia, LI, and/or language-related traits with language skills in children with ASD. We used genetic and language data collected in the Autism Genome Research Exchange (AGRE) and Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) cohorts to perform a meta-analysis on performance on a receptive vocabulary task. There were associations with LI risk gene ATP2C2 and dyslexia risk gene MRPL19. Additionally, we found suggestive evidence of association with CMIP, GCFC2, KIAA0319L, the DYX2 locus (ACOT13, GPLD1, and FAM65B), and DRD2. Our results show that LI and dyslexia genes also contribute to language traits in children with ASD. These associations add to the growing literature of generalist genes that contribute to multiple related neurobehavioral traits. Future studies should examine whether other genetic contributors may be shared among these disorders and how risk variants interact with each other and the environment to modify clinical presentations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John D Eicher
- Department of Genetics, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gori S, Mascheretti S, Giora E, Ronconi L, Ruffino M, Quadrelli E, Facoetti A, Marino C. The DCDC2 Intron 2 Deletion Impairs Illusory Motion Perception Unveiling the Selective Role of Magnocellular-Dorsal Stream in Reading (Dis)ability. Cereb Cortex 2014; 25:1685-95. [PMID: 25270309 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Simone Gori
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Sara Mascheretti
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Enrico Giora
- Faculty of Psychology, "Vita-Salute" San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Ronconi
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Milena Ruffino
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Ermanno Quadrelli
- Department of Psychology, University of Milan-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Facoetti
- Developmental and Cognitive Neuroscience Lab, Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Cecilia Marino
- Child Psychopathology Unit, Scientific Institute, IRCCS Eugenio Medea, 23842 Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy Centre de Recherche de L'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Québec, QC, Canada G1J 2G3 Département de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada G1V 0A6
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bohland JW, Myers EM, Kim E. An informatics approach to integrating genetic and neurological data in speech and language neuroscience. Neuroinformatics 2014; 12:39-62. [PMID: 23949335 DOI: 10.1007/s12021-013-9201-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
A number of heritable disorders impair the normal development of speech and language processes and occur in large numbers within the general population. While candidate genes and loci have been identified, the gap between genotype and phenotype is vast, limiting current understanding of the biology of normal and disordered processes. This gap exists not only in our scientific knowledge, but also in our research communities, where genetics researchers and speech, language, and cognitive scientists tend to operate independently. Here we describe a web-based, domain-specific, curated database that represents information about genotype-phenotype relations specific to speech and language disorders, as well as neuroimaging results demonstrating focal brain differences in relevant patients versus controls. Bringing these two distinct data types into a common database ( http://neurospeech.org/sldb ) is a first step toward bringing molecular level information into cognitive and computational theories of speech and language function. One bridge between these data types is provided by densely sampled profiles of gene expression in the brain, such as those provided by the Allen Brain Atlases. Here we present results from exploratory analyses of human brain gene expression profiles for genes implicated in speech and language disorders, which are annotated in our database. We then discuss how such datasets can be useful in the development of computational models that bridge levels of analysis, necessary to provide a mechanistic understanding of heritable language disorders. We further describe our general approach to information integration, discuss important caveats and considerations, and offer a specific but speculative example based on genes implicated in stuttering and basal ganglia function in speech motor control.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason W Bohland
- Departments of Health Sciences and Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, Boston University, 635 Commonwealth Ave, Room 403, Boston, MA, 02215, USA,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Gialluisi A, Newbury DF, Wilcutt EG, Olson RK, DeFries JC, Brandler WM, Pennington BF, Smith SD, Scerri TS, Simpson NH, Luciano M, Evans DM, Bates TC, Stein JF, Talcott JB, Monaco AP, Paracchini S, Francks C, Fisher SE. Genome-wide screening for DNA variants associated with reading and language traits. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2014; 13:686-701. [PMID: 25065397 PMCID: PMC4165772 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2014] [Accepted: 07/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Reading and language abilities are heritable traits that are likely to share some genetic influences with each other. To identify pleiotropic genetic variants affecting these traits, we first performed a genome-wide association scan (GWAS) meta-analysis using three richly characterized datasets comprising individuals with histories of reading or language problems, and their siblings. GWAS was performed in a total of 1862 participants using the first principal component computed from several quantitative measures of reading- and language-related abilities, both before and after adjustment for performance IQ. We identified novel suggestive associations at the SNPs rs59197085 and rs5995177 (uncorrected P ≈ 10–7 for each SNP), located respectively at the CCDC136/FLNC and RBFOX2 genes. Each of these SNPs then showed evidence for effects across multiple reading and language traits in univariate association testing against the individual traits. FLNC encodes a structural protein involved in cytoskeleton remodelling, while RBFOX2 is an important regulator of alternative splicing in neurons. The CCDC136/FLNC locus showed association with a comparable reading/language measure in an independent sample of 6434 participants from the general population, although involving distinct alleles of the associated SNP. Our datasets will form an important part of on-going international efforts to identify genes contributing to reading and language skills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Gialluisi
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Marino C, Scifo P, Della Rosa PA, Mascheretti S, Facoetti A, Lorusso ML, Giorda R, Consonni M, Falini A, Molteni M, Gruen JR, Perani D. The DCDC2/intron 2 deletion and white matter disorganization: focus on developmental dyslexia. Cortex 2014; 57:227-43. [PMID: 24926531 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2014.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Revised: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/25/2014] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The DCDC2 gene is involved in neuronal migration. Heterotopias have been found within the white matter of DCDC2-knockdown rats. A deletion in DCDC2/intron 2 (DCDC2d), which encompasses a regulatory region named 'regulatory element associated with dyslexia 1' (READ1), increases the risk for dyslexia. We hypothesized that DCDC2d can be associated to alterations of the white matter structure in general and in dyslexic brains. METHODS Based on a full-factorial analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model, we investigated voxel-based diffusion tensor imaging (VB-DTI) data of four groups of subjects: dyslexia with/without DCDC2d, and normal readers with/without DCDC2d. We also tested DCDC2d effects upon correlation patterns between fractional anisotropy (FA) and reading scores. RESULTS We found that FA was reduced in the left arcuate fasciculus and splenium of the corpus callosum in subjects with versus without DCDC2d, irrespective of dyslexia. Subjects with dyslexia and DCDC2d showed reduced FA, mainly in the left hemisphere and in the corpus callosum; their counterpart without DCDC2d showed similar FA alterations. Noteworthy, a conjunction analysis in impaired readers revealed common regions with lower FA mainly in the left hemisphere. When we compared subjects with dyslexia with versus without DCDC2d, we found lower FA in the inferior longitudinal fasciculus and genu of the corpus callosum, bilaterally. Normal readers with versus without DCDC2d had FA increases and decreases in both the right and left hemisphere. DISCUSSION The major contribution of our study was to provide evidence relating genes, brain and behaviour. Overall, our findings support the hypothesis that DCDC2d is associated with altered FA. In normal readers, DCDC2-related anatomical patterns may mark some developmental cognitive vulnerability to learning disabilities. In subjects with dyslexia, DCDC2d accounted for both common - mainly located in the left hemisphere - and unique - a more severe and extended pattern - alterations of white matter fibre tracts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Marino
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire en Santé Mentale de Québec, Québec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Paola Scifo
- C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Milan, Italy; Department of Nuclear Medicine San Raffaele Hospital and Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Pasquale A Della Rosa
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Mascheretti
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Andrea Facoetti
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy; Department of General Psychology and Center for Cognitive Science, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria L Lorusso
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Roberto Giorda
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Monica Consonni
- Department of Nuclear Medicine San Raffaele Hospital and Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Falini
- C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Department of Child Neuropsychiatry, Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea, Bosisio Parini, Italy
| | - Jeffrey R Gruen
- Department of Pediatrics & Genetics, Yale Child Health Research Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Daniela Perani
- C.E.R.M.A.C. (Centro di Risonanza Magnetica ad Alto Campo), Milan, Italy; Department of Nuclear Medicine San Raffaele Hospital and Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Howe LD, Parmar PG, Paternoster L, Warrington NM, Kemp JP, Briollais L, Newnham JP, Timpson NJ, Smith GD, Ring SM, Evans DM, Tilling K, Pennell CE, Beilin LJ, Palmer LJ, Lawlor DA. Genetic influences on trajectories of systolic blood pressure across childhood and adolescence. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 6:608-14. [PMID: 24200906 DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.113.000197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Blood pressure (BP) tends to increase across childhood and adolescence, but the genetic influences on rates of BP change are not known. Potentially important genetic influences could include genetic variants identified in genome-wide association studies of adults as being associated with BP, height, and body mass index. Understanding the contribution of these genetic variants to changes in BP across childhood and adolescence could yield understanding into the life course development of cardiovascular risk. METHODS AND RESULTS Pooling data from 2 cohorts (the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children [n=7013] and the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort [n=1459]), we examined the associations of allelic scores of 29 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for adult BP, 180 height SNPs, and 32 body mass index SNPs, with trajectories of systolic BP (SBP) from 6 to 17 years of age, using linear spline multilevel models. The allelic scores of BP and body mass index SNPs were associated with SBP at 6 years of age (per-allele effect sizes, 0.097 mm Hg [SE, 0.039 mm Hg] and 0.107 mm Hg [SE, 0.037 mm Hg]); associations with age-related changes in SBP between 6 and 17 years of age were of small magnitude and imprecisely estimated. The allelic score of height SNPs was only weakly associated with SBP changes. No sex or cohort differences in genetic effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS Allelic scores of BP and body mass index SNPs demonstrated associations with SBP at 6 years of age with a similar magnitude but were not strongly associated with changes in SBP with age between 6 and 17 years. Further work is required to identify variants associated with changes with age in BP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura D Howe
- MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit at the University of Bristol
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Eicher JD, Gruen JR. Imaging-genetics in dyslexia: connecting risk genetic variants to brain neuroimaging and ultimately to reading impairments. Mol Genet Metab 2013; 110:201-12. [PMID: 23916419 PMCID: PMC3800223 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymgme.2013.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Revised: 07/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Dyslexia is a common pediatric disorder that affects 5-17% of schoolchildren in the United States. It is marked by unexpected difficulties in fluent reading despite adequate intelligence, opportunity, and instruction. Classically, neuropsychologists have studied dyslexia using a variety of neurocognitive batteries to gain insight into the specific deficits and impairments in affected children. Since dyslexia is a complex genetic trait with high heritability, analyses conditioned on performance on these neurocognitive batteries have been used to try to identify associated genes. This has led to some successes in identifying contributing genes, although much of the heritability remains unexplained. Additionally, the lack of relevant human brain tissue for analysis and the challenges of modeling a uniquely human trait in animals are barriers to advancing our knowledge of the underlying pathophysiology. In vivo imaging technologies, however, present new opportunities to examine dyslexia and reading skills in a clearly relevant context in human subjects. Recent investigations have started to integrate these imaging data with genetic data in attempts to gain a more complete and complex understanding of reading processes. In addition to bridging the gap from genetic risk variant to a discernible neuroimaging phenotype and ultimately to the clinical impairments in reading performance, the use of neuroimaging phenotypes will reveal novel risk genes and variants. In this article, we briefly discuss the genetic and imaging investigations and take an in-depth look at the recent imaging-genetics investigations of dyslexia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John D. Eicher
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Jeffrey R. Gruen
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
- Departments of Pediatrics and Investigative Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Venkatesh SK, Siddaiah A, Padakannaya P, Ramachandra NB. Lack of association between genetic polymorphisms in ROBO1, MRPL19/C2ORF3 and THEM2 with developmental dyslexia. Gene 2013; 529:215-9. [PMID: 23954868 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2013.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Revised: 06/03/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Developmental Dyslexia (DD) is a heritable, complex genetic disorder characterized by specific impairment in reading and writing ability that is substantially below the expected reading ability given the person's chronological age, measured intelligence and age-appropriate education. More than ten susceptible genes have been identified for DD. A Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) of these genes was found to be associated with various phenotypes of DD. To identify the role of SNPs of four candidate genes namely, MRPL19/C2ORF3, ROBO1 and THEM2 in an Indian population, we genotyped eight SNPs of these genes in 157 children with DD and 212 normal readers using a MassARRAY technique with a MALDI-TOF MS analyzer. Power analysis of some of these SNPs showed >80% of power. Chi-square test, Odds Ratios (ORs), 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) and Bonferroni's correction were applied to identify the significance of the genotyped SNPs and haplotypes. Our study failed to show any association of SNPs and haplotypes of these genes with DD in an Indian population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shyamala K Venkatesh
- Genetics and Genomics Laboratory, DOS in Zoology, University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore 570 006, Karnataka, India
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Rudov A, Rocchi MBL, Accorsi A, Spada G, Procopio AD, Olivieri F, Rippo MR, Albertini MC. Putative miRNAs for the diagnosis of dyslexia, dyspraxia, and specific language impairment. Epigenetics 2013; 8:1023-9. [PMID: 23949389 DOI: 10.4161/epi.26026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of human communication abilities can be classified into speech and language disorders. Speech disorders (e.g., dyspraxia) affect the sound generation and sequencing, while language disorders (e.g., dyslexia and specific language impairment, or SLI) are deficits in the encoding and decoding of language according to its rules (reading, spelling, grammar). The diagnosis of such disorders is often complicated, especially when a patient presents more than one disorder at the same time. The present review focuses on these challenges. We have combined data available from the literature with an in silico approach in an attempt to identify putative miRNAs that may have a key role in dyspraxia, dyslexia and SLI. We suggest the use of new miRNAs, which could have an important impact on the three diseases. Further, we relate those miRNAs to the axon guidance pathway and discuss possible interactions and the role of likely deregulated proteins. In addition, we describe potential differences in expressional deregulation and its role in the improvement of diagnosis. We encourage experimental investigations to test the data obtained in silico.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rudov
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences; Urbino University ''Carlo Bo''; Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Augusto Accorsi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences; Urbino University ''Carlo Bo''; Urbino, Italy
| | - Giorgio Spada
- Dipartimento di Scienze di Base e Fondamenti; Urbino University ''Carlo Bo''; Urbino, Italy
| | | | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences; Università Politecnica delle Marche; Ancona, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Rippo
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences; Università Politecnica delle Marche; Ancona, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Genetic insights into the functional elements of language. Hum Genet 2013; 132:959-86. [PMID: 23749164 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-013-1317-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2012] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Language disorders cover a wide range of conditions with heterologous and overlapping phenotypes and complex etiologies harboring both genetic and environmental influences. Genetic approaches including the identification of genes linked to speech and language phenotypes and the characterization of normal and aberrant functions of these genes have, in recent years, unraveled complex details of molecular and cognitive mechanisms and provided valuable insight into the biological foundations of language. Consistent with this approach, we have reviewed the functional aspects of allelic variants of genes which are currently known to be either causally associated with disorders of speech and language or impact upon the spectrum of normal language ability. We have also reviewed candidate genes associated with heritable speech and language disorders. In addition, we have evaluated language phenotypes and associated genetic components in developmental syndromes that, together with a spectrum of altered language abilities, manifest various phenotypes and offer details of multifactorial determinants of language function. Data from this review have revealed a predominance of regulatory networks involved in the control of differentiation and functioning of neurons, neuronal tracks and connections among brain structures associated with both cognitive and language faculties. Our findings, furthermore, have highlighted several multifactorial determinants in overlapping speech and language phenotypes. Collectively this analysis has revealed an interconnected developmental network and a close association of the language faculty with cognitive functions, a finding that has the potential to provide insight into linguistic hypotheses defining in particular, the contribution of genetic elements to and the modular nature of the language faculty.
Collapse
|
29
|
Analysis of genetic variants of dyslexia candidate genes KIAA0319 and DCDC2 in Indian population. J Hum Genet 2013; 58:531-8. [PMID: 23677054 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2013.46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2013] [Accepted: 04/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Developmental dyslexia (DD) is a heritable, complex genetic disorder associated with impairment in reading and writing skills despite having normal intellectual ability and appropriate educational opportunities. Chromosome 6p23-21.3 at DYX2 locus has showed the most consistent evidence of linkage for DD and two susceptible genes KIAA0319 and DCDC2 for DD at DYX2 locus showed significant association. Specific candidate gene-association studies have identified variants, risk haplotypes and microsatellites of KIAA0319 and DCDC2 correlated with wide range of reading-related traits. In this study, we used a case-control approach for analyzing single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in KIAA0319 and DCDC2. Our study demonstrated the association of DD with SNP rs4504469 of KIAA0319 and not with any SNPs of DCDC2.
Collapse
|
30
|
Tammimies K, Vitezic M, Matsson H, Le Guyader S, Bürglin TR, Ohman T, Strömblad S, Daub CO, Nyman TA, Kere J, Tapia-Páez I. Molecular networks of DYX1C1 gene show connection to neuronal migration genes and cytoskeletal proteins. Biol Psychiatry 2013; 73:583-90. [PMID: 23036959 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2012] [Revised: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dyslexia susceptibility 1 candidate 1 (DYX1C1) gene has recently been associated with dyslexia and reading scores in several population samples. The DYX1C1 has also been shown to affect neuronal migration and modulate estrogen receptor signaling. METHODS We have analyzed the molecular networks of DYX1C1 by gene expression and protein interaction profiling in a human neuroblastoma cell line. RESULTS We find that DYX1C1 can modulate the expression of nervous system development and neuronal migration genes such as RELN and associate with a number of cytoskeletal proteins. We also show by live cell imaging that DYX1C1 regulates cell migration of the human neuroblastoma cell line dependent on its tetratricopeptide repeat and DYX1 protein domains. The DYX1 domain is a novel highly conserved domain identified in this study by multiple sequence alignment of DYX1C1 proteins recovered from a wide range of eukaryotic species. CONCLUSIONS Our results contribute to the hypothesis that dyslexia has a developmental neurobiological basis by linking DYX1C1 with many genes involved in neuronal migration disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Tammimies
- Center for Biosciences, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Novum, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Tran C, Gagnon F, Wigg K, Feng Y, Gomez L, Cate-Carter T, Kerr E, Field L, Kaplan B, Lovett M, Barr C. A family-based association analysis and meta-analysis of the reading disabilities candidate gene DYX1C1. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2013; 162B:146-56. [PMID: 23341075 PMCID: PMC5381964 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2012] [Accepted: 11/07/2012] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Reading disabilities (RD) have a significant genetic basis and have shown linkage to multiple regions including chromosome 15q. Dyslexia susceptibility 1 candidate gene 1 (DYX1C1) on chromosome 15q21 was originally proposed as a candidate gene with two potentially functional polymorphisms at the -3G/A and 1249G/T positions showing association with RD. However, subsequent studies have yielded mixed results. We performed a literature review and meta-analysis of the -3G/A and 1249G/T polymorphisms, including new unpublished data from two family-based samples. Ten markers in DYX1C1 were genotyped in the two independently ascertained samples. Single marker and -3G/A:1249G/T haplotype analyses were performed for RD in both samples, and quantitative trait analyses using standardized reading-related measures was performed in one of the samples. For the meta-analysis, we used a random-effects model to summarize studies that tested for association between -3G/A or 1249G/T and RD. No significant association was found between the DYX1C1 SNPs and RD or any of the reading-related measures tested after correction for the number of tests performed. The previously reported risk haplotype (-3A:1249T) was not biased in transmission. A total of 9 and 10 study samples were included in the meta-analysis of the -3G/A and 1249G/T polymorphisms, respectively. Neither polymorphism reached statistical significance, but the heterogeneity for the 1249G/T polymorphism was high. The results of this study do not provide evidence for association between the putatively functional SNPs -3G/A and 1249G/T and RD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C. Tran
- Genetics and Development Division, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - F. Gagnon
- Division of Epidemiology, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - K.G. Wigg
- Genetics and Development Division, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Y. Feng
- Genetics and Development Division, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - L. Gomez
- Genetics and Development Division, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - T.D. Cate-Carter
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - E.N. Kerr
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - L.L. Field
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - B.J. Kaplan
- Alberta Children’s Hospital and Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - M.W. Lovett
- Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C.L. Barr
- Genetics and Development Division, Toronto Western Research Institute, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Program in Neurosciences and Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada,Correspondence to: Dr. C.L. Barr, Genetics and Development Division, The Toronto Western Hospital, 399 Bathurst St., Room MP14-302, Toronto, ON, Canada M5T 2S8.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Neurogenetics and auditory processing in developmental dyslexia. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2013; 23:37-42. [PMID: 23040541 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2012.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 09/06/2012] [Accepted: 09/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
|
33
|
Graham SA, Fisher SE. Decoding the genetics of speech and language. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2013; 23:43-51. [PMID: 23228431 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2012.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2012] [Revised: 11/13/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
34
|
Raskind WH, Peter B, Richards T, Eckert MM, Berninger VW. The genetics of reading disabilities: from phenotypes to candidate genes. Front Psychol 2013; 3:601. [PMID: 23308072 PMCID: PMC3538356 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This article provides an overview of (a) issues in definition and diagnosis of specific reading disabilities at the behavioral level that may occur in different constellations of developmental and phenotypic profiles (patterns); (b) rapidly expanding research on genetic heterogeneity and gene candidates for dyslexia and other reading disabilities; (c) emerging research on gene-brain relationships; and (d) current understanding of epigenetic mechanisms whereby environmental events may alter behavioral expression of genetic variations. A glossary of genetic terms (denoted by bold font) is provided for readers not familiar with the technical terms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy H Raskind
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA ; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
The dyslexia candidate locus on 2p12 is associated with general cognitive ability and white matter structure. PLoS One 2012; 7:e50321. [PMID: 23209710 PMCID: PMC3509064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 10/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Independent studies have shown that candidate genes for dyslexia and specific language impairment (SLI) impact upon reading/language-specific traits in the general population. To further explore the effect of disorder-associated genes on cognitive functions, we investigated whether they play a role in broader cognitive traits. We tested a panel of dyslexia and SLI genetic risk factors for association with two measures of general cognitive abilities, or IQ, (verbal and non-verbal) in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort (N>5,000). Only the MRPL19/C2ORF3 locus showed statistically significant association (minimum P = 0.00009) which was further supported by independent replications following analysis in four other cohorts. In addition, a fifth independent sample showed association between the MRPL19/C2ORF3 locus and white matter structure in the posterior part of the corpus callosum and cingulum, connecting large parts of the cortex in the parietal, occipital and temporal lobes. These findings suggest that this locus, originally identified as being associated with dyslexia, is likely to harbour genetic variants associated with general cognitive abilities by influencing white matter structure in localised neuronal regions.
Collapse
|
36
|
Mascheretti S, Bureau A, Battaglia M, Simone D, Quadrelli E, Croteau J, Cellino MR, Giorda R, Beri S, Maziade M, Marino C. An assessment of gene-by-environment interactions in developmental dyslexia-related phenotypes. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2012; 12:47-55. [DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2012] [Revised: 09/26/2012] [Accepted: 10/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Mascheretti
- The Academic Centre for the study of Behavioural Plasticity; Vita-Salute San Raffaele University; Milan; 20132; Italy
| | | | | | - D. Simone
- Department of Child Psychiatry; Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini; Lecco; 23842; Italy
| | - E. Quadrelli
- Department of Child Psychiatry; Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini; Lecco; 23842; Italy
| | - J. Croteau
- Centre de Recherche de l'Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec; Québec; G1J 2 G3; Canada
| | - M. R. Cellino
- Centro Regionale di Riferimento per i Disturbi dell'Apprendimento - CRRDA, ULSS 20; Verona; 37122; Italy
| | - R. Giorda
- Molecular Biology Laboratory; Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini; Lecco; 23842; Italy
| | - S. Beri
- Molecular Biology Laboratory; Scientific Institute Eugenio Medea; Bosisio Parini; Lecco; 23842; Italy
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Darki F, Peyrard-Janvid M, Matsson H, Kere J, Klingberg T. Three dyslexia susceptibility genes, DYX1C1, DCDC2, and KIAA0319, affect temporo-parietal white matter structure. Biol Psychiatry 2012; 72:671-6. [PMID: 22683091 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2012.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Volume and integrity of white matter correlate with reading ability, but the underlying factors contributing to this variability are unknown. METHODS We investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms in three genes previously associated with dyslexia and implicated in neuronal migration (DYX1C1, DCDC2, KIAA0319) and white matter volume in a cohort of 76 children and young adults from the general population. RESULTS We found that all three genes contained polymorphisms that were significantly associated with white matter volume in the left temporo-parietal region and that white matter volume influenced reading ability. CONCLUSIONS The identified region contained white matter pathways connecting the middle temporal gyrus with the inferior parietal lobe. The finding links previous neuroimaging and genetic results and proposes a mechanism underlying variability in reading ability in both normal and impaired readers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fahimeh Darki
- Neuroscience Department, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Zhang Y, Li J, Tardif T, Burmeister M, Villafuerte SM, McBride-Chang C, Li H, Shi B, Liang W, Zhang Z, Shu H. Association of the DYX1C1 dyslexia susceptibility gene with orthography in the Chinese population. PLoS One 2012; 7:e42969. [PMID: 23028439 PMCID: PMC3441603 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0042969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several independent studies have supported the association of DYX1C1 with dyslexia, but its role in general reading development remains unclear. Here, we investigated the contribution of this gene to reading, with a focus on orthographic skills, in a sample of 284 unrelated Chinese children aged 5 to 11 years who were participating in the Chinese Longitudinal Study of Reading Development. We tested this association using a quantitative approach for Chinese character reading, Chinese character dictation, orthographic judgment, and visual skills. Significant or marginally significant associations were observed at the marker rs11629841 with children's orthographic judgments at ages 7 and 8 years (all P values<0.020). Significant associations with Chinese character dictation (all P values<0.013) were also observed for this single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) at ages 9, 10, and 11 years. Further analyses revealed that the association with orthographic skills was specific to the processing of specific components of characters (P values<0.046). No association was found at either SNP of rs3743205 or rs57809907. Our findings suggest that DYX1C1 influences reading development in the general Chinese population and supports a universal effect of this gene.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Twila Tardif
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Margit Burmeister
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Sandra M. Villafuerte
- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | | | - Hong Li
- Department of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingjie Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Weilan Liang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | - Hua Shu
- State Key Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience and Learning, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Tammimies K, Tapia-Páez I, Rüegg J, Rosin G, Kere J, Gustafsson JÅ, Nalvarte I. The rs3743205 SNP is important for the regulation of the dyslexia candidate gene DYX1C1 by estrogen receptor β and DNA methylation. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:619-29. [PMID: 22383464 DOI: 10.1210/me.2011-1376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen is involved in numerous physiological processes such as growth, differentiation, and function of the male and female reproductive tissues. In the developing brain, estrogen signaling has been linked to cognitive functions, such as learning and memory; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are poorly understood. We have previously shown a link between developmental dyslexia and estrogen signaling, when we studied the functional interactions between the dyslexia candidate protein DYX1C1 and the estrogen receptors α (ERα) and β (ERβ). Here, we investigate the 17β-estradiol (E2)-dependent regulation of dyslexia susceptibility 1 candidate 1 (DYX1C1) expression. We demonstrate that ERβ, not ERα, binds to a transcriptionally active cis-regulatory region upstream of DYX1C1 transcriptional start site and that DYX1C1 expression is enhanced by E2 in a neuroblastoma cell line. This regulation is dependent on transcription factor II-I and liganded ERβ recruitment to this region. In addition, we describe that a single nucleotide polymorphism previously shown to be associated with dyslexia and located in the cis-regulatory region of DYX1C1 may alter the epigenetic and endocrine regulation of this gene. Our data provide important molecular insights into the relationship between developmental dyslexia susceptibility and estrogen signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Tammimies
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Dissection of genetic associations with language-related traits in population-based cohorts. J Neurodev Disord 2011; 3:365-73. [PMID: 21894572 PMCID: PMC3230763 DOI: 10.1007/s11689-011-9091-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in the field of language-related disorders have led to the identification of candidate genes for specific language impairment (SLI) and dyslexia. Replication studies have been conducted in independent samples including population-based cohorts, which can be characterised for a large number of relevant cognitive measures. The availability of a wide range of phenotypes allows us to not only identify the most suitable traits for replication of genetic association but also to refine the associated cognitive trait. In addition, it is possible to test for pleiotropic effects across multiple phenotypes which could explain the extensive comorbidity observed across SLI, dyslexia and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The availability of genome-wide genotype data for such cohorts will facilitate this kind of analysis but important issues, such as multiple test corrections, have to be taken into account considering that small effect sizes are expected to underlie such associations.
Collapse
|
41
|
Scerri TS, Morris AP, Buckingham LL, Newbury DF, Miller LL, Monaco AP, Bishop DV, Paracchini S. DCDC2, KIAA0319 and CMIP are associated with reading-related traits. Biol Psychiatry 2011; 70:237-45. [PMID: 21457949 PMCID: PMC3139836 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2010] [Revised: 01/18/2011] [Accepted: 02/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several susceptibility genes have been proposed for dyslexia (reading disability; RD) and specific language impairment (SLI). RD and SLI show comorbidity, but it is unclear whether a common genetic component is shared. METHODS We have investigated whether candidate genes for RD and SLI affect specific cognitive traits or have broad effect on cognition. We have analyzed common risk variants within RD (MRPL19/C2ORF3, KIAA0319, and DCDC2) and language impairment (CMIP and ATP2C2) candidate loci in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children cohort (n = 3725), representing children born in southwest England in the early 1990s. RESULTS We detected associations between reading skills and KIAA0319, DCDC2, and CMIP. We show that DCDC2 is specifically associated with RD, whereas variants in CMIP and KIAA0319 are associated with reading skills across the ability range. The strongest associations were restricted to single-word reading and spelling measures, suggesting that these genes do not extend their effect to other reading and language-related skills. Inclusion of individuals with comorbidity tends to strengthen these associations. Our data do not support MRPL19/C2ORF3 as a locus involved in reading abilities nor CMIP/ATP2C2 as genes regulating language skills. CONCLUSIONS We provide further support for the role of KIAA0319 and DCDC2 in contributing to reading abilities and novel evidence that the language-disorder candidate gene CMIP is also implicated in reading processes. Additionally, we present novel data to evaluate the prevalence and comorbidity of RD and SLI, and we recommend not excluding individuals with comorbid RD and SLI when designing genetic association studies for RD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom S. Scerri
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, UK
| | - Andrew P. Morris
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Laura L. Miller
- School of Social and Community Medicine, University of Bristol, UK
| | | | | | - Silvia Paracchini
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, UK,Address correspondence to Silvia Paracchini, D.Phil., Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, OX3 7BN Oxford, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Whitehouse AJO, Bishop DVM, Ang QW, Pennell CE, Fisher SE. CNTNAP2 variants affect early language development in the general population. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2011; 10:451-6. [PMID: 21310003 PMCID: PMC3130139 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-183x.2011.00684.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2010] [Revised: 12/12/2010] [Accepted: 02/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Early language development is known to be under genetic influence, but the genes affecting normal variation in the general population remain largely elusive. Recent studies of disorder reported that variants of the CNTNAP2 gene are associated both with language deficits in specific language impairment (SLI) and with language delays in autism. We tested the hypothesis that these CNTNAP2 variants affect communicative behavior, measured at 2 years of age in a large epidemiological sample, the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Singlepoint analyses of 1149 children (606 males and 543 females) revealed patterns of association which were strikingly reminiscent of those observed in previous investigations of impaired language, centered on the same genetic markers and with a consistent direction of effect (rs2710102, P = 0.0239; rs759178, P = 0.0248). On the basis of these findings, we performed analyses of four-marker haplotypes of rs2710102-rs759178-rs17236239-rs2538976 and identified significant association (haplotype TTAA, P = 0.049; haplotype CGAG, [corrected] P = .0014). Our study suggests that common variants in the exon 13-15 region of CNTNAP2 influence early language acquisition, as assessed at age 2, in the general population. We propose that these CNTNAP2 variants increase susceptibility to SLI or autism when they occur together with other risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A J O Whitehouse
- Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|