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Xu K, Li S, Muskens IS, Elliott N, Myint SS, Pandey P, Hansen HM, Morimoto LM, Kang AY, Ma X, Metayer C, Mueller BA, Roberts I, Walsh K, Horvath S, Wiemels JL, de Smith AJ. Accelerated epigenetic aging in newborns with Down syndrome. Aging Cell 2022; 21:e13652. [PMID: 35661546 PMCID: PMC9282838 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accelerated aging is a hallmark of Down syndrome (DS), with adults experiencing early-onset Alzheimer's disease and premature aging of the skin, hair, and immune and endocrine systems. Accelerated epigenetic aging has been found in the blood and brain tissue of adults with DS but when premature aging in DS begins remains unknown. We investigated whether accelerated aging in DS is already detectable in blood at birth. We assessed the association between age acceleration and DS using five epigenetic clocks in 346 newborns with DS and 567 newborns without DS using Illumina MethylationEPIC DNA methylation array data. We compared two epigenetic aging clocks (DNAmSkinBloodClock and pan-tissue DNAmAge) and three epigenetic gestational age clocks (Haftorn, Knight, and Bohlin) between DS and non-DS newborns using linear regression adjusting for observed age, sex, batch, deconvoluted blood cell proportions, and genetic ancestry. Targeted sequencing of GATA1 was performed in a subset of 184 newborns with DS to identify somatic mutations associated with transient abnormal myelopoiesis. DS was significantly associated with increased DNAmSkinBloodClock (effect estimate = 0.2442, p < 0.0001), with an epigenetic age acceleration of 244 days in newborns with DS after adjusting for potential confounding factors (95% confidence interval: 196-292 days). We also found evidence of epigenetic age acceleration associated with somatic GATA1 mutations among newborns with DS (p = 0.015). DS was not associated with epigenetic gestational age acceleration. We demonstrate that accelerated epigenetic aging in the blood of DS patients begins prenatally, with implications for the pathophysiology of immunosenescence and other aging-related traits in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keren Xu
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health SciencesKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Shaobo Li
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health SciencesKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ivo S. Muskens
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health SciencesKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Natalina Elliott
- Department of Paediatrics and MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular MedicineOxford University and BRC Blood Theme, NIHR Oxford Biomedical CentreOxfordUK
| | - Swe Swe Myint
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health SciencesKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Priyatama Pandey
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health SciencesKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Helen M. Hansen
- Department of Neurological SurgeryUniversity of California San FranciscoSan FranciscoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Libby M. Morimoto
- School of Public HealthUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Alice Y. Kang
- School of Public HealthUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Xiaomei Ma
- Department of Chronic Disease EpidemiologyYale School of Public HealthNew HavenConnecticutUSA
| | - Catherine Metayer
- School of Public HealthUniversity of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyCaliforniaUSA
| | - Beth A. Mueller
- Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Department of EpidemiologyUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Irene Roberts
- Department of Paediatrics and MRC Molecular Haematology Unit, Weatherall Institute of Molecular MedicineOxford University and BRC Blood Theme, NIHR Oxford Biomedical CentreOxfordUK
| | - Kyle M. Walsh
- Department of NeurosurgeryDuke UniversityDurhamNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Department of Human GeneticsDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Joseph L. Wiemels
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health SciencesKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
| | - Adam J. de Smith
- Center for Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Population and Public Health SciencesKeck School of Medicine of the University of Southern CaliforniaLos AngelesCaliforniaUSA
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The direct health care cost to Medicare of Down syndrome dementia as compared with Alzheimer's disease among 2015 Californian beneficiaries. Ann Phys Rehabil Med 2020; 64:101430. [PMID: 32853759 DOI: 10.1016/j.rehab.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at increased risk of dementia due to trisomy of chromosome 21 on which the amyloid precursor protein gene is located and with increased life expectancy. Yet, little is known about the costs associated with DS dementia and how this compares to Alzheimer's disease (AD). OBJECTIVE To better understand direct healthcare costs and care consumption in DS dementia, we compared the total cost of care to US Medicare and the drivers of these medical expenditures in individuals with DS with and without dementia, and in those with AD without DS. METHODS The effect of dementia in DS on costs and care utilization was estimated with 2015 California Medicare fee-for-service data (parts A and B). Among 3,001,977 Californian Medicare beneficiaries, 353 individuals had DS with dementia (age 45-89 years). We compared their number of chronic comorbidity conditions among 27 and their care and Medicare costs to those of age- and sex-matched individuals with DS without dementia and those with AD without DS. RESULTS Medicare annual cost per beneficiary was a mean of 43.5% and 82.2% higher with DS dementia (mean $35,011) than DS without dementia (mean $24,401) and AD without dementia (mean $19,212), related to greater utilization of inpatient services. DS dementia was associated with increased level of multimorbidity (mean of 3.4 conditions in addition to dementia vs. 2.7 and 2.2 conditions for DS without dementia and AD, respectively), with more emergency room visits (88% vs. 76.5% and 54.4%) and with more primary care physician visits (91.2% vs. 87.3% and 81.3%). CONCLUSION DS adults with dementia have higher health care costs than DS adults without dementia and adults with AD. Understanding costs and complex health care needs in DS dementia could facilitate management of adult and geriatric care resources for these high-need high-cost individuals.
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Association of sleep with cognition and beta amyloid accumulation in adults with Down syndrome. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 93:44-51. [PMID: 32447011 PMCID: PMC7380565 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.04.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Adults with Down syndrome have an increased risk for both disordered sleep and Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the general population, disrupted sleep has been linked to beta amyloid accumulation, an early pathophysiologic feature of AD. In this study, the association among sleep, beta amyloid, and measures of AD-related cognitive decline was examined in 47 non-demented adults with Down syndrome (aged 26-56 years). Sleep was measured using actigraphy over 7 nights. Pittsburgh Compound B positron emission tomography was used to assess global and striatal beta amyloid burden. Participants had the following clinical AD status: 7 (15%) mild cognitive impairment and 40 (85%) cognitively unaffected. Average length of night-time awakenings was significantly positively associated with striatal beta amyloid and decreased cognitive performance in executive functioning and motor planning and coordination. Findings suggest that disrupted sleep is associated with beta amyloid accumulation and cognitive features of preclinical AD in Down syndrome. Early identification and treatment of sleep problems could be a lifestyle intervention that may delay beta amyloid accumulation and cognitive decline in this AD vulnerable group.
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Genetic and epigenetic pathways in Down syndrome: Insights to the brain and immune system from humans and mouse models. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2019; 251:1-28. [PMID: 32057305 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pbr.2019.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The presence of an extra copy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) leads to a constellation of phenotypic manifestations in Down syndrome (DS), including prominent effects on the brain and immune system. Intensive efforts to unravel the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenotypes may help developing effective therapies, both in DS and in the general population. Here we review recent progress in genetic and epigenetic analysis of trisomy 21 (Ts21). New mouse models of DS based on syntenic conservation of segments of the mouse and human chromosomes are starting to clarify the contributions of chromosomal subregions and orthologous genes to specific phenotypes in DS. The expression of genes on Hsa21 is regulated by epigenetic mechanisms, and with recent findings of highly recurrent gene-specific changes in DNA methylation patterns in brain and immune system cells with Ts21, the epigenomics of DS has become an active research area. Here we highlight the value of combining human studies with mouse models for defining DS critical genes and understanding the trans-acting effects of a simple chromosomal aneuploidy on genome-wide epigenetic patterning. These genetic and epigenetic studies are starting to uncover fundamental biological mechanisms, leading to insights that may soon become therapeutically relevant.
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Bayen E, Possin KL, Chen Y, Cleret de Langavant L, Yaffe K. Prevalence of Aging, Dementia, and Multimorbidity in Older Adults With Down Syndrome. JAMA Neurol 2019; 75:1399-1406. [PMID: 30032260 DOI: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2018.2210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Importance As the life expectancy of people with Down syndrome (DS) has markedly increased over the past decades, older adults with DS may be experiencing a higher incidence of aging conditions. In addition to longevity, the amyloid precursor protein gene located on chromosome 21 places individuals with DS at a high risk for developing Alzheimer disease. Yet, few studies have determined prevalence of dementia and comorbidities among older people with DS. Objective To determine the prevalence of dementia and aging-related comorbidities in older adult individuals with DS. Design, Setting, and Participants Cross-sectional analysis of 2015 California Medicare claims data. We examined 1 year of cross-sectional Medicare claims data that included 100% of Californian Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in both Medicare Part A and B in 2015. Of these 3 001 977 Californian Medicare beneficiaries 45 years or older, 878 individuals were identified as having a diagnosis of DS. Data were analyzed between April 2017 and February 2018. Main Outcomes and Measures The frequency of DS dementia was assessed across different age categories. The number and frequency of 27 comorbidities were compared among individuals with DS with and without dementia and by age and sex groups. Results A total of 353 DS individuals (40%) were identified as having dementia diagnoses (mean, 58.7 years; 173 women [49%]) and 525 without dementia diagnoses (mean, 55.9 years; 250 women [48%]). The frequency of DS dementia among those 65 years or older rose to 49%. The mean number of comorbidities per individual increased with age in general. Comorbid conditions were more numerous among those with dementia compared with those with DS without dementia (mean, 3.4 vs 2.5, respectively), especially among those younger than 65 years. In particular, 4 treatable conditions, hypothyroidism, epilepsy, anemia, and weight loss, were much more frequent in DS dementia. Conclusions and Relevance Older Medicare beneficiaries in California with DS, especially those with dementia, have a high level of multimorbidity including several treatable conditions. While DS follow-up has long been confined to the pediatric sphere, we found that longevity in individuals with DS will necessitate complex adult and geriatric care. More evidenced-based and standardized follow-up could support better long-term comorbidity management and dementia care among aging adults with DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonore Bayen
- Sorbonne Université Faculté de Médecine, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière-Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Département de Rééducation Neurologique, Paris, France.,Laboratoire d'Economie LEDa-LEGOS, Université Paris-Dauphine, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Katherine L Possin
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco.,Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Yingjia Chen
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco
| | - Laurent Cleret de Langavant
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco.,Université Paris Est Faculté de Médecine, Hôpital Henri Mondor-Assistance Publique Hôpitaux de Paris, Centre de référence Maladie de Huntington et service de neurologie, Créteil, France.,Département d'Etudes Cognitives, Ecole Normale Supérieure, PSL Research University et Inserm U955, Equipe E01 Neuropsychologie Interventionnelle, Paris, France
| | - Kristine Yaffe
- Global Brain Health Institute, University of California, San Francisco.,Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology and Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco
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Ciccarone F, Valentini E, Malavolta M, Zampieri M, Bacalini MG, Calabrese R, Guastafierro T, Reale A, Franceschi C, Capri M, Breusing N, Grune T, Moreno‐Villanueva M, Bürkle A, Caiafa P. DNA Hydroxymethylation Levels Are Altered in Blood Cells From Down Syndrome Persons Enrolled in the MARK-AGE Project. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2018; 73:737-744. [PMID: 29069286 PMCID: PMC5946825 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/glx198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is caused by the presence of part or an entire extra copy of chromosome 21, a phenomenon that can cause a wide spectrum of clinically defined phenotypes of the disease. Most of the clinical signs of DS are typical of the aging process including dysregulation of immune system. Beyond the causative genetic defect, DS persons display epigenetic alterations, particularly aberrant DNA methylation patterns that can contribute to the heterogeneity of the disease. In the present work, we investigated the levels of 5-hydroxymethylcytosine and of the Ten-eleven translocation dioxygenase enzymes, which are involved in DNA demethylation processes and are often deregulated in pathological conditions as well as in aging. Analyses were carried out on peripheral blood mononuclear cells of DS volunteers enrolled in the context of the MARK-AGE study, a large-scale cross-sectional population study with subjects representing the general population in eight European countries. We observed a decrease in 5-hydroxymethylcytosine, TET1, and other components of the DNA methylation/demethylation machinery in DS subjects, indicating that aberrant DNA methylation patterns in DS, which may have consequences on the transcriptional status of immune cells, may be due to a global disturbance of methylation control in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Ciccarone
- Department of Biology, University of Rome “Tor Vergata,” Rome
| | - Elisabetta Valentini
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome
| | - Marco Malavolta
- National Institute of Health and Science on Aging (INRCA), Nutrition and Ageing Centre, Scientific and Technological Research Area, Ancona
| | - Michele Zampieri
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome
| | | | - Roberta Calabrese
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome
| | - Tiziana Guastafierro
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome
| | - Anna Reale
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Bologna
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Bologna, Italy
- CIG-Interdepartmental Center “L. Galvani,” Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Miriam Capri
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Bologna, Italy
- CIG-Interdepartmental Center “L. Galvani,” Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicolle Breusing
- Institute of Nutritional Medicine (180c), University of Hohenheim, Stuttgart
| | - Tilman Grune
- German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke (DIfE), Nuthetal
| | - María Moreno‐Villanueva
- Department of Biology, Molecular Toxicology Group, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Alexander Bürkle
- Department of Biology, Molecular Toxicology Group, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Paola Caiafa
- Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome
- Pasteur Institute-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Rome
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7
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Affiliation(s)
- D Allan Butterfield
- Department of Chemistry and Sanders-Brown, Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506 USA
| | - Marzia Perluigi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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8
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Barone E, Head E, Butterfield DA, Perluigi M. HNE-modified proteins in Down syndrome: Involvement in development of Alzheimer disease neuropathology. Free Radic Biol Med 2017; 111:262-269. [PMID: 27838436 PMCID: PMC5639937 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.10.508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of chromosome 21, is the most common genetic form of intellectual disability. The neuropathology of DS involves multiple molecular mechanisms, similar to AD, including the deposition of beta-amyloid (Aβ) into senile plaques and tau hyperphosphorylationg in neurofibrillary tangles. Interestingly, many genes encoded by chromosome 21, in addition to being primarily linked to amyloid-beta peptide (Aβ) pathology, are responsible for increased oxidative stress (OS) conditions that also result as a consequence of reduced antioxidant system efficiency. However, redox homeostasis is disturbed by overproduction of Aβ, which accumulates into plaques across the lifespan in DS as well as in AD, thus generating a vicious cycle that amplifies OS-induced intracellular changes. The present review describes the current literature that demonstrates the accumulation of oxidative damage in DS with a focus on the lipid peroxidation by-product, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE). HNE reacts with proteins and can irreversibly impair their functions. We suggest that among different post-translational modifications, HNE-adducts on proteins accumulate in DS brain and play a crucial role in causing the impairment of glucose metabolism, neuronal trafficking, protein quality control and antioxidant response. We hypothesize that dysfunction of these specific pathways contribute to accelerated neurodegeneration associated with AD neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Barone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy; Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Salud, Avenida Pedro de Valdivia 425, Providencia, Santiago, Chile
| | - Elizabeth Head
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - D Allan Butterfield
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA; Department of Chemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA
| | - Marzia Perluigi
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
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9
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Abstract
Down syndrome (Trisomy 21; DS) is a unique disease known to be associated with early-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD). The initial presentation of AD in DS is usually difficult to recognize, owing to the underlying intellectual disabilities. Using biomarkers as a prediction tool for detecting AD in at-risk people with DS may benefit patient care. The objective of this review is to discuss the utility of biomarkers in DS on the basis of the pathophysiology of the disease and to provide an update on recent studies in this field. Only through the comprehensive assessment of clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and biomarker analyses can people with DS who are at risk for AD be diagnosed early. Studies for biomarkers of AD in DS have focused on the common pathophysiology of AD in people with DS and in the general population. The most extensively studied biomarkers are amyloid and tau. Owing to the nature of amyloid precursor protein overproduction in DS, the baseline β-amyloid (Aβ) plasma levels are higher than those in controls. Hence, the changes in Aβ are considered to be a predictive marker for AD in DS. In addition, other markers related to telomere length, neuroinflammation, and methylation have been investigated for their correlation with AD progression. Future studies including different ethnic groups may be helpful to collect sufficient data to monitor drug safety and efficacy, stratify patients at risk for AD, and quantify the benefit of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni-Chung Lee
- Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Yin-Hsiu Chien
- Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wuh-Liang Hwu
- Department of Medical Genetics and Pediatrics, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
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Hartley SL, Handen BL, Devenny D, Mihaila I, Hardison R, Lao PJ, Klunk WE, Bulova P, Johnson SC, Christian BT. Cognitive decline and brain amyloid-β accumulation across 3 years in adults with Down syndrome. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 58:68-76. [PMID: 28715661 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Adults with Down syndrome (DS) have a high incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD), providing a unique opportunity to explore the early, preclinical stages of AD neuropathology. We examined change in brain amyloid-β accumulation via the positron emission tomography tracer [11C] Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) across 2 data collection cycles, spaced 3 years apart, and decline in cognitive functioning in 58 adults with DS without clinical AD. PiB retention increased in the anterior cingulate gyrus, precuneus cortex, parietal cortex, and anterior ventral striatum. Across the 2 cycles, 14 (27.5%) participants were consistently PiB+, 31 (60.8%) were consistently PiB-, and 6 (11.7%) converted from PiB- at cycle 1 to PiB+ at cycle 2. Increased global amyloid-β was related to decline in verbal episodic memory, visual episodic memory, executive functioning, and fine motor processing speed. Participants who were consistently PiB+ demonstrated worsening of episodic memory, whereas participants who were consistently PiB- evidenced stable or improved performance. Amyloid-β accumulation may be a contributor to or biomarker of declining cognitive functioning in preclinical AD in DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigan L Hartley
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Center, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Benjamin L Handen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Psychology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Darlynne Devenny
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Iulia Mihaila
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Regina Hardison
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Patrick J Lao
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Center, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - William E Klunk
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Peter Bulova
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sterling C Johnson
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bradley T Christian
- University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Center, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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11
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Cole JH, Annus T, Wilson LR, Remtulla R, Hong YT, Fryer TD, Acosta-Cabronero J, Cardenas-Blanco A, Smith R, Menon DK, Zaman SH, Nestor PJ, Holland AJ. Brain-predicted age in Down syndrome is associated with beta amyloid deposition and cognitive decline. Neurobiol Aging 2017; 56:41-49. [PMID: 28482213 PMCID: PMC5476346 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2017.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) are more likely to experience earlier onset of multiple facets of physiological aging. This includes brain atrophy, beta amyloid deposition, cognitive decline, and Alzheimer's disease—factors indicative of brain aging. Here, we employed a machine learning approach, using structural neuroimaging data to predict age (i.e., brain-predicted age) in people with DS (N = 46) and typically developing controls (N = 30). Chronological age was then subtracted from brain-predicted age to generate a brain-predicted age difference (brain-PAD) score. DS participants also underwent [11C]-PiB positron emission tomography (PET) scans to index the levels of cerebral beta amyloid deposition, and cognitive assessment. Mean brain-PAD in DS participants' was +2.49 years, significantly greater than controls (p < 0.001). The variability in brain-PAD was associated with the presence and the magnitude of PiB-binding and levels of cognitive performance. Our study indicates that DS is associated with premature structural brain aging, and that age-related alterations in brain structure are associated with individual differences in the rate of beta amyloid deposition and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H Cole
- Computational, Cognitive & Clinical Neuroimaging Laboratory (C3NL), Division of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| | - Tiina Annus
- Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Liam R Wilson
- Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Young T Hong
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Tim D Fryer
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | | | - Robert Smith
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - David K Menon
- Division of Anaesthesia, Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Shahid H Zaman
- Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Peter J Nestor
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Anthony J Holland
- Cambridge Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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12
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Ware AL, Kulesz PA, Juranek J, Cirino PT, Fletcher JM. Cognitive control and associated neural correlates in adults with spina bifida myelomeningocele. Neuropsychology 2017; 31:411-423. [PMID: 28206781 DOI: 10.1037/neu0000350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Accelerated aging can occur in adult survivors of neurodevelopmental disorders, but has been narrowly studied in spina bifida myelomeningocele (SBM). Since discrete aspects of cognitive control and related neural network macrostructure deteriorate in normal aging, the specificity and trajectory of cognition and neuropathology incurred across adulthood in SBM were examined. METHOD Adults (N = 120) with and without SBM completed working memory span and manipulation tasks, and an inhibitory control task. A subset (n = 53) underwent structural MRI. Effects of group, age, and their interaction on performance and select gray matter volumes were examined. RESULTS Adults with SBM had significantly poorer working memory accuracy and overall inhibitory control performance than typical peers. Age negatively predicted inhibitory control. Group × Age significantly interacted on span accuracy; advanced age related to diminished performance in typical adults, but not in adults with SBM. SBM related to disproportionately enlarged cortical and putamen and reduced hippocampus volumes. Group × Age significantly interacted on cortical, but not subcortical gray matter volumes. Dorsolateral prefrontal, hippocampus, and putamen volumes negatively correlated with cognitive performance. CONCLUSIONS Supporting previous literature, current findings elucidated a profile of executive impairment in SBM that was maintained in a parallel maturational trajectory to typical aging. Accelerated aging in cognitive control or subcortical gray matter was not supported in SBM. However, reductions in anterior and posterior cortical regions were exacerbated in older adults with SBM compared with typical peers. Overall results supported persistent anomalous neurodevelopmental maturation across the life span in SBM that related to diminished cognitive control. (PsycINFO Database Record
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jenifer Juranek
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Learning Institute BRAIN Lab, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
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13
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Do C, Xing Z, Yu YE, Tycko B. Trans-acting epigenetic effects of chromosomal aneuploidies: lessons from Down syndrome and mouse models. Epigenomics 2016; 9:189-207. [PMID: 27911079 PMCID: PMC5549717 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2016-0138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
An important line of postgenomic research seeks to understand how genetic factors can influence epigenetic patterning. Here we review epigenetic effects of chromosomal aneuploidies, focusing on findings in Down syndrome (DS, trisomy 21). Recent work in human DS and mouse models has shown that the extra chromosome 21 acts in trans to produce epigenetic changes, including differential CpG methylation (DS-DM), in specific sets of downstream target genes, mostly on other chromosomes. Mechanistic hypotheses emerging from these data include roles of chromosome 21-linked methylation pathway genes (DNMT3L and others) and transcription factor genes (RUNX1, OLIG2, GABPA, ERG and ETS2) in shaping the patterns of DS-DM. The findings may have broader implications for trans-acting epigenetic effects of chromosomal and subchromosomal aneuploidies in other human developmental and neuropsychiatric disorders, and in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Do
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Zhuo Xing
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program & Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Y Eugene Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics Program & Department of Cancer Genetics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's disease & the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA.,Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
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14
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Walker RF, Liu JS, Peters BA, Ritz BR, Wu T, Ophoff RA, Horvath S. Epigenetic age analysis of children who seem to evade aging. Aging (Albany NY) 2016; 7:334-9. [PMID: 25991677 PMCID: PMC4468314 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported the unusual case of a teenage girl stricken with multifocal developmental dysfunctions whose physical development was dramatically delayed resulting in her appearing to be a toddler or at best a preschooler, even unto the occasion of her death at the age of 20 years. Her life-long physician felt that the disorder was unique in the world and that future treatments for age-related diseases might emerge from its study. The objectives of our research were to determine if other such cases exist, and if so, whether aging is actually slowed. Of seven children characterized by dramatically slow developmental rates, five also had associated disorders displayed by the first case. All of the identified subjects were female. To objectively measure the age of blood tissue from these subjects, we used a highly accurate biomarker of aging known as “epigenetic clock” based on DNA methylation levels. No statistically significant differences in chronological and epigenetic ages were detected in any of the newly discovered cases. Our study shows that a) there are multiple children who maintain the façade of persistent toddler-like features while aging from birth to young adulthood and b) blood tissue from these cases is not younger than expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard F Walker
- Physician's Scientific and Regulatory Services, Inc., Indian Rocks Beach, FL 33785, USA
| | - Jia Sophie Liu
- Department of Research, Complete Genomics Inc. Mountain View CA94043 USA,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Brock A Peters
- Department of Research, Complete Genomics Inc. Mountain View CA94043 USA,BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518083, China
| | - Beate R Ritz
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Timothy Wu
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,UCLA Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Roel A Ophoff
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,UCLA Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Steve Horvath
- Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.,Biostatistics, School of Public Health, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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15
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Trans effects of chromosome aneuploidies on DNA methylation patterns in human Down syndrome and mouse models. Genome Biol 2015; 16:263. [PMID: 26607552 PMCID: PMC4659173 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-015-0827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Trisomy 21 causes Down syndrome (DS), but the mechanisms by which the extra chromosome leads to deficient intellectual and immune function are not well understood. Results Here, we profile CpG methylation in DS and control cerebral and cerebellar cortex of adults and cerebrum of fetuses. We purify neuronal and non-neuronal nuclei and T lymphocytes and find biologically relevant genes with DS-specific methylation (DS-DM) in each of these cell types. Some genes show brain-specific DS-DM, while others show stronger DS-DM in T cells. Both 5-methyl-cytosine and 5-hydroxy-methyl-cytosine contribute to the DS-DM. Thirty percent of genes with DS-DM in adult brain cells also show DS-DM in fetal brains, indicating early onset of these epigenetic changes, and we find early maturation of methylation patterns in DS brain and lymphocytes. Some, but not all, of the DS-DM genes show differential expression. DS-DM preferentially affected CpGs in or near specific transcription factor binding sites (TFBSs), implicating a mechanism involving altered TFBS occupancy. Methyl-seq of brain DNA from mouse models with sub-chromosomal duplications mimicking DS reveals partial but significant overlaps with human DS-DM and shows that multiple chromosome 21 genes contribute to the downstream epigenetic effects. Conclusions These data point to novel biological mechanisms in DS and have general implications for trans effects of chromosomal duplications and aneuploidies on epigenetic patterning. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13059-015-0827-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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16
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Horvath S, Garagnani P, Bacalini MG, Pirazzini C, Salvioli S, Gentilini D, Di Blasio AM, Giuliani C, Tung S, Vinters HV, Franceschi C. Accelerated epigenetic aging in Down syndrome. Aging Cell 2015; 14:491-5. [PMID: 25678027 PMCID: PMC4406678 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 336] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Down Syndrome (DS) entails an increased risk of many chronic diseases that are typically associated with older age. The clinical manifestations of accelerated aging suggest that trisomy 21 increases the biological age of tissues, but molecular evidence for this hypothesis has been sparse. Here, we utilize a quantitative molecular marker of aging (known as the epigenetic clock) to demonstrate that trisomy 21 significantly increases the age of blood and brain tissue (on average by 6.6 years, P = 7.0 × 10−14).
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Affiliation(s)
- Steve Horvath
- Human Genetics David Geffen School of Medicine University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
- Biostatistics Fielding School of Public Health University of California Los Angeles Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
- Interdepartmental Center ‘L. Galvani’ University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
- CNR Applied Biomedical Research Center S. Orsola‐Malpighi Polyclinic Bologna 40138 Italy
| | - Maria Giulia Bacalini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
- Interdepartmental Center ‘L. Galvani’ University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
- Personal Genomics S.r.l. Verona 37134 Italy
| | - Chiara Pirazzini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
- Interdepartmental Center ‘L. Galvani’ University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
| | - Stefano Salvioli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
- Interdepartmental Center ‘L. Galvani’ University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
| | - Davide Gentilini
- Center of Research and Biomedical Technology Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS Via Zucchi 18 Cusano Milanino 20095 Milan Italy
| | - Anna Maria Di Blasio
- Center of Research and Biomedical Technology Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS Via Zucchi 18 Cusano Milanino 20095 Milan Italy
| | - Cristina Giuliani
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
| | - Spencer Tung
- Department of Neurology and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Harry V. Vinters
- Department of Neurology and Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Los Angeles CA 90095 USA
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Interdepartmental Center ‘L. Galvani’ University of Bologna Bologna 40126 Italy
- IRCCS Institute of Neurological Sciences of Bologna 40139 Bologna Italy
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17
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Hartley SL, Handen BL, Devenny DA, Hardison R, Mihaila I, Price JC, Cohen AD, Klunk WE, Mailick MR, Johnson SC, Christian BT. Cognitive functioning in relation to brain amyloid-β in healthy adults with Down syndrome. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 137:2556-63. [PMID: 24993958 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awu173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
Nearly all adults with Down syndrome show neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease, including amyloid-β deposition, by their fifth decade of life. In the current study, we examined the association between brain amyloid-β deposition, assessed via in vivo assessments of neocortical Pittsburgh compound B, and scores on an extensive neuropsychological battery of measures of cognitive functioning in 63 adults (31 male, 32 female) with Down syndrome aged 30-53 years who did not exhibit symptoms of dementia. Twenty-two of the adults with Down syndrome were identified as having elevated neocortical Pittsburgh compound B retention levels. There was a significant positive correlation (r = 0.62, P < 0.0001) between age and neocortical Pittsburgh compound B retention. This robust association makes it difficult to discriminate normative age-related decline in cognitive functioning from any potential effects of amyloid-β deposition. When controlling for chronological age in addition to mental age, there were no significant differences between the adults with Down syndrome who had elevated neocortical Pittsburgh compound B retention levels and those who did not on any of the neuropsychological measures. Similarly, when examining Pittsburgh compound B as a continuous variable, after controlling for mental age and chronological age, only the Rivermead Picture Recognition score was significantly negatively associated with neocortical Pittsburgh compound B retention. Our findings indicate that many adults with Down syndrome can tolerate amyloid-β deposition without deleterious effects on cognitive functioning. However, we may have obscured true effects of amyloid-β deposition by controlling for chronological age in our analyses. Moreover, our sample included adults with Down syndrome who were most 'resistant' to the effects of amyloid-β deposition, as adults already exhibiting clinical symptoms of dementia symptoms were excluded from the study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigan L Hartley
- 1 University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Centre, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Benjamin L Handen
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Darlynne A Devenny
- 3 New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, 44 Holland Avenue, Albany, NY 12229, USA
| | - Regina Hardison
- 4 University of Pittsburgh, Epidemiology Data Centre, 130 DeSoto Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Iulia Mihaila
- 1 University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Centre, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Julie C Price
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Annie D Cohen
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - William E Klunk
- 2 University of Pittsburgh, Department of Psychiatry, 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Marsha R Mailick
- 1 University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Centre, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Sterling C Johnson
- 1 University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Centre, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
| | - Bradley T Christian
- 1 University of Wisconsin-Madison, Waisman Centre, 1500 Highland Ave, Madison, WI 53705, USA
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18
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Krinsky-McHale SJ, Silverman W, Gordon J, Devenny DA, Oley N, Abramov I. Vision deficits in adults with Down syndrome. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2013; 27:247-63. [PMID: 23784802 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In individuals with Down syndrome, virtually all structures of the eye have some abnormality, which likely diminishes vision. We examined basic vision functions in adults with Down syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS Participants completed a battery of psychophysical tests that probed a comprehensive array of visual functions. The performance of adults with Down syndrome was compared with younger and older adults without intellectual disability. RESULTS Adults with Down syndrome had significant vision deficits, reduced sensitivity across spatial frequencies and temporal modulation rates, reduced stereopsis, impaired vernier acuity and anomalies in colour discrimination. The pattern of deficits observed was similar to those seen by researchers examining adults with Alzheimer's disease. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that a common mechanism may be responsible for the pattern of deficits observed, possibly the presence of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology in the visual association cortex. We also showed that individuals with mild to moderate intellectual disability are capable of participating in studies employing state-of-the-art psychophysical procedures. This has wider implications in terms of their ability to participate in research that use similar techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon J Krinsky-McHale
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
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19
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Bartley MG, Marquardt K, Kirchhof D, Wilkins HM, Patterson D, Linseman DA. Overexpression of amyloid-β protein precursor induces mitochondrial oxidative stress and activates the intrinsic apoptotic cascade. J Alzheimers Dis 2012; 28:855-68. [PMID: 22133762 DOI: 10.3233/jad-2011-111172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant processing of amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) into amyloid-β (Aβ) fragments underlies the formation of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Moreover, Aβ fragments, particularly Aβ(42), exert direct toxic effects within neurons including the induction of mitochondrial oxidative stress (MOS). Interestingly, individuals with Down syndrome (DS) frequently develop early onset AD as a major co-morbid phenotype. One hypothesis for AD associated with DS involves the overexpression of wild type (WT) AβPP protein, due to its location on chromosome 21. However, the mechanism by which the overexpression of WT AβPP might trigger MOS and induce cell death is presently unclear. Here we show that transient overexpression of DsRed2-tagged AβPP (WT) in CHO cells induces caspase-3 activation and nuclear fragmentation indicative of apoptosis. AβPP localizes to the mitochondrial fraction of transfected CHO cells and induces glutathione-sensitive opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) and cytochrome c release. MOS and intrinsic apoptosis induced by AβPP are significantly inhibited by co-expression of Bcl-2 or treatment with either glutathione or a pan-caspase inhibitor. The mPTP inhibitor, cyclosporin A, also significantly attenuates AβPP-induced apoptosis. AβPP-induced apoptosis is unaffected by a β-secretase inhibitor and is independent of detectable Aβ(42); however, a γ-secretase inhibitor significantly protects against AβPP overexpression, suggesting a possible role of the AβPP intracellular domain in cell death. These data indicate that overexpression of WT AβPP is sufficient to induce MOS and intrinsic apoptosis, suggesting a novel pro-oxidant role for AβPP at mitochondria which may be relevant in AD and DS disease pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew G Bartley
- Department of Biological Sciences and the Eleanor Roosevelt Institute, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA
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20
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Communication breaks-Down: from neurodevelopment defects to cognitive disabilities in Down syndrome. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 91:1-22. [PMID: 20097253 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2009] [Revised: 12/10/2009] [Accepted: 01/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Down syndrome (DS) is the leading cause of genetically-defined intellectual disability and congenital birth defects. Despite being one of the first genetic diseases identified, only recently, thanks to the phenotypic analysis of DS mouse genetic models, we have begun to understand how trisomy may impact cognitive function. Cognitive disabilities in DS appear to result mainly from two pathological processes: neurogenesis impairment and Alzheimer-like degeneration. In DS brain, suboptimal network architecture and altered synaptic communication arising from neurodevelopmental impairment are key determinants of cognitive defects. Hypocellularity and hypoplasia start at early developmental stages and likely depend upon impaired proliferation of neuronal precursors, resulting in reduction of numbers of neurons and synaptic contacts. The impairment of neuronal precursor proliferation extends to adult neurogenesis and may affect learning and memory. Neurodegenerative mechanisms also contribute to DS cognitive impairment. Early onset Alzheimer disease occurs with extremely high incidence in DS patients and is causally-related to overexpression of beta-amyloid precursor protein (betaAPP), which is one of the triplicated genes in DS. In this review, we will survey the available findings on neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative changes occurring in DS throughout life. Moreover, we will discuss the potential mechanisms by which defects in neurogenesis and neurodegenerative processes lead to altered formation of neural circuits and impair cognitive function, in connection with findings on pharmacological treatments of potential benefit for DS.
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21
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Krinsky-McHale SJ, Devenny DA, Gu H, Jenkins EC, Kittler P, Murty VV, Schupf N, Scotto L, Tycko B, Urv TK, Ye L, Zigman WB, Silverman W. Successful aging in a 70-year-old man with down syndrome: a case study. INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2008; 46:215-228. [PMID: 18578579 DOI: 10.1352/2008.46:215-228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The authors present a case study of a 70-year-old man with Down syndrome ("Mr. C.") who they followed for 16 years and who does not exhibit declines in cognitive or functional capacities indicative of dementia, despite having well-documented, complete trisomy 21. The authors describe the age-associated changes that occurred over 16 years as well as provide detailed information regarding Mr. C.'s health and genetic status. To further emphasize Mr. C.'s successful aging, the authors compared his longitudinal performance profile with that of 2 peers of comparable level of intellectual functioning: 1 similar-aged man with clinical Alzheimer's disease and a younger man who was healthy. The authors present potential explanations for the phenotypic variability observed in individuals with Down syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon J Krinsky-McHale
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY 10314, USA.
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22
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Li CM, Guo M, Salas M, Schupf N, Silverman W, Zigman WB, Husain S, Warburton D, Thaker H, Tycko B. Cell type-specific over-expression of chromosome 21 genes in fibroblasts and fetal hearts with trisomy 21. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2006; 7:24. [PMID: 16539728 PMCID: PMC1435874 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2350-7-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2005] [Accepted: 03/15/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Down syndrome (DS) is caused by trisomy 21 (+21), but the aberrations in gene expression resulting from this chromosomal aneuploidy are not yet completely understood. Methods We used oligonucleotide microarrays to survey mRNA expression in early- and late-passage control and +21 fibroblasts and mid-gestation fetal hearts. We supplemented this analysis with northern blotting, western blotting, real-time RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. Results We found chromosome 21 genes consistently over-represented among the genes over-expressed in the +21 samples. However, these sets of over-expressed genes differed across the three cell/tissue types. The chromosome 21 gene MX1 was strongly over-expressed (mean 16-fold) in senescent +21 fibroblasts, a result verified by northern and western blotting. MX1 is an interferon target gene, and its mRNA was induced by interferons present in +21 fibroblast conditioned medium, suggesting an autocrine loop for its over-expression. By immunohistochemistry the p78MX1 protein was induced in lesional tissue of alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder associated with DS. We found strong over-expression of the purine biosynthesis gene GART (mean 3-fold) in fetal hearts with +21 and verified this result by northern blotting and real-time RT-PCR. Conclusion Different subsets of chromosome 21 genes are over-expressed in different cell types with +21, and for some genes this over-expression is non-linear (>1.5X). Hyperactive interferon signaling is a candidate pathway for cell senescence and autoimmune disorders in DS, and abnormal purine metabolism should be investigated for a potential role in cardiac defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ming Li
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meirong Guo
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martha Salas
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Nicole Schupf
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wayne Silverman
- Department of Psychology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY, USA
| | - Warren B Zigman
- Department of Psychology, New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sameera Husain
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dorothy Warburton
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Harshwardhan Thaker
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin Tycko
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, USA
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