1
|
Abassah-Oppong S, Zoia M, Mannion BJ, Rouco R, Tissières V, Spurrell CH, Roland V, Darbellay F, Itum A, Gamart J, Festa-Daroux TA, Sullivan CS, Kosicki M, Rodríguez-Carballo E, Fukuda-Yuzawa Y, Hunter RD, Novak CS, Plajzer-Frick I, Tran S, Akiyama JA, Dickel DE, Lopez-Rios J, Barozzi I, Andrey G, Visel A, Pennacchio LA, Cobb J, Osterwalder M. A gene desert required for regulatory control of pleiotropic Shox2 expression and embryonic survival. Nat Commun 2024; 15:8793. [PMID: 39389973 PMCID: PMC11467299 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-53009-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2024] [Indexed: 10/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately a quarter of the human genome consists of gene deserts, large regions devoid of genes often located adjacent to developmental genes and thought to contribute to their regulation. However, defining the regulatory functions embedded within these deserts is challenging due to their large size. Here, we explore the cis-regulatory architecture of a gene desert flanking the Shox2 gene, which encodes a transcription factor indispensable for proximal limb, craniofacial, and cardiac pacemaker development. We identify the gene desert as a regulatory hub containing more than 15 distinct enhancers recapitulating anatomical subdomains of Shox2 expression. Ablation of the gene desert leads to embryonic lethality due to Shox2 depletion in the cardiac sinus venosus, caused in part by the loss of a specific distal enhancer. The gene desert is also required for stylopod morphogenesis, mediated via distributed proximal limb enhancers. In summary, our study establishes a multi-layered role of the Shox2 gene desert in orchestrating pleiotropic developmental expression through modular arrangement and coordinated dynamics of tissue-specific enhancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Abassah-Oppong
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Department of Biological Sciences, Fort Hays State University, Hays, KS, 67601, USA
| | - Matteo Zoia
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Brandon J Mannion
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Comparative Biochemistry Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Raquel Rouco
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development and iGE3, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Virginie Tissières
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Junta de Andalucía, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Cailyn H Spurrell
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Virginia Roland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Fabrice Darbellay
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development and iGE3, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anja Itum
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Julie Gamart
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, 3010, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Tabitha A Festa-Daroux
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Carly S Sullivan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Michael Kosicki
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Eddie Rodríguez-Carballo
- Department of Genetics and Evolution, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yoko Fukuda-Yuzawa
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Riana D Hunter
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Catherine S Novak
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Ingrid Plajzer-Frick
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Stella Tran
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Jennifer A Akiyama
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Diane E Dickel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Javier Lopez-Rios
- Centro Andaluz de Biología del Desarrollo (CABD), CSIC-Universidad Pablo de Olavide-Junta de Andalucía, 41013, Seville, Spain
- School of Health Sciences, Universidad Loyola Andalucía, Seville, Spain
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Guillaume Andrey
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development and iGE3, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Axel Visel
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA, 95343, USA
| | - Len A Pennacchio
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- Comparative Biochemistry Program, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
- US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - John Cobb
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Marco Osterwalder
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3008, Bern, Switzerland.
- Environmental Genomics and Systems Biology Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
- Department of Cardiology, Bern University Hospital, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
De Dominicis A, Stregapede F, Colona VL, Nicita F, Sartorelli J, Sparascio FP, Terracciano A, Novelli A, Specchio N, Bertini ES, Trivisano M. POLR3B de novo variants are a rare cause of infantile myoclonic epilepsy. Seizure 2024; 121:141-146. [PMID: 39178560 DOI: 10.1016/j.seizure.2024.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To report on a new phenotype in a patient carrying a novel, undescribed de novo variant in POLR3B, affected by generalized myoclonic epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorder, without neuropathy. It is known that biallelic pathogenic variants in POLR3B cause hypomyelinating leukodystrophy-8, and heterozygous de novo variants are described in association to a phenotype characterized by predominantly demyelinating sensory-motor peripheral neuropathy, ataxia, spasticity, intellectual disability and epilepsy, in which the peripheral neuropathy is often the main clinical presentation. METHODS We collected clinical, electrophysiological and neuroimaging data from the affected subject and performed a Trio-Clinical Exome Sequencing. RESULTS We detected a de novo novel heterozygous missense variant c.1132A>G in POLR3B (NM_018082.6) that was considered as likely pathogenic following ACMG criteria. We also consulted our custom genomic database of a total of 1485 patients that were genetically analysed from 2018 for epilepsy, and found no other de novo variants in the POLR3B gene. CONCLUSION We hypothesize a possible genotype-phenotype correlation, particularly regarding epilepsy. We also provide a review of the literature about the previously described POLR3B heterozygous patients, with particular attention to the epileptic phenotype, underlining the association between POLR3B and early onset myoclonic epilepsy, which can represent the main manifestation of the disease at its onset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angela De Dominicis
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Stregapede
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Luigi Colona
- Movement Analysis and Robotics Laboratory (MARlab), Research Unit of Neurorehabilitation, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Research Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Nicita
- Research Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Sartorelli
- Research Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Piceci Sparascio
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Terracciano
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Translational Cytogenomics Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Specchio
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Silvio Bertini
- Research Unit of Neuromuscular and Neurodegenerative Disorders, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marina Trivisano
- Neurology, Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Full Member of European Reference Network EpiCARE, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Panvino F, Paparella R, Gambuti L, Cerrito A, Menghi M, Micangeli G, Petrella C, Fiore M, Tarani L, Ardizzone I. Klinefelter Syndrome: A Genetic Disorder Leading to Neuroendocrine Modifications and Psychopathological Vulnerabilities in Children-A Literature Review and Case Report. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:509. [PMID: 38790504 PMCID: PMC11119116 DOI: 10.3390/children11050509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Klinefelter syndrome (KS), characterized by an additional X-chromosome in males, manifests in a wide range of neuroendocrine and psychiatric symptoms. Individuals with KS often face increased risks of hormonal dysfunction, leading to depression and anxiety, although extended research during pediatric and adolescent age is still limited. This critical phase, decisive for KS children, is influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental and familial factors, which impact brain plasticity. In this report, we reviewed, in a narrative form, the crucial KS psychopathological hallmarks in children. To better describe neuroendocrine and neuropsychiatric outcomes in children with KS, we presented the case of an 11-year-old prepubertal child with mosaic KS who was referred to our Center of Developmental Psychopathology due to a decline in his academic performance, excessive daytime fatigue and increased distractibility over the past few months. Family history revealed psychiatric conditions among first- and second-degree relatives, including recently divorced parents and a 15-year-old sister. Early-onset persistent depressive disorder and anxious traits were diagnosed. Timely identification of susceptible children, with thorough examination of familial psychiatric history, environmental influences and neurocognitive profile, alongside targeted interventions, could potentially mitigate lifelong psychopathology-related disabilities in pediatric and adolescent KS cases, including those with mosaic KS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Panvino
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Paparella
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisiana Gambuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Cerrito
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Menghi
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ignazio Ardizzone
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Section of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhuang H, Liang Z, Ma G, Qureshi A, Ran X, Feng C, Liu X, Yan X, Shen L. Autism spectrum disorder: pathogenesis, biomarker, and intervention therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e497. [PMID: 38434761 PMCID: PMC10908366 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has become a common neurodevelopmental disorder. The heterogeneity of ASD poses great challenges for its research and clinical translation. On the basis of reviewing the heterogeneity of ASD, this review systematically summarized the current status and progress of pathogenesis, diagnostic markers, and interventions for ASD. We provided an overview of the ASD molecular mechanisms identified by multi-omics studies and convergent mechanism in different genetic backgrounds. The comorbidities, mechanisms associated with important physiological and metabolic abnormalities (i.e., inflammation, immunity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction), and gut microbial disorder in ASD were reviewed. The non-targeted omics and targeting studies of diagnostic markers for ASD were also reviewed. Moreover, we summarized the progress and methods of behavioral and educational interventions, intervention methods related to technological devices, and research on medical interventions and potential drug targets. This review highlighted the application of high-throughput omics methods in ASD research and emphasized the importance of seeking homogeneity from heterogeneity and exploring the convergence of disease mechanisms, biomarkers, and intervention approaches, and proposes that taking into account individuality and commonality may be the key to achieve accurate diagnosis and treatment of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Zhuang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Zhiyuan Liang
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Guanwei Ma
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Ayesha Qureshi
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xiaoqian Ran
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of BaoanShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xukun Liu
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Xi Yan
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
| | - Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and OceanographyShenzhen UniversityShenzhenP. R. China
- Shenzhen‐Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science‐Shenzhen Fundamental Research InstitutionsShenzhenP. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ziemka-Nalecz M, Pawelec P, Ziabska K, Zalewska T. Sex Differences in Brain Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14571. [PMID: 37834018 PMCID: PMC10572175 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
A remarkable feature of the brain is its sexual dimorphism. Sexual dimorphism in brain structure and function is associated with clinical implications documented previously in healthy individuals but also in those who suffer from various brain disorders. Sex-based differences concerning some features such as the risk, prevalence, age of onset, and symptomatology have been confirmed in a range of neurological and neuropsychiatric diseases. The mechanisms responsible for the establishment of sex-based differences between men and women are not fully understood. The present paper provides up-to-date data on sex-related dissimilarities observed in brain disorders and highlights the most relevant features that differ between males and females. The topic is very important as the recognition of disparities between the sexes might allow for the identification of therapeutic targets and pharmacological approaches for intractable neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Teresa Zalewska
- NeuroRepair Department, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 5, A. Pawinskiego Str., 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (M.Z.-N.); (P.P.); (K.Z.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bunyan DJ, Hobbs JI, Duncan-Flavell PJ, Howarth RJ, Beal S, Baralle D, Thomas NS. SHOX Whole Gene Duplications Are Overrepresented in SHOX Haploinsufficiency Phenotype Cohorts. Cytogenet Genome Res 2023; 162:587-598. [PMID: 36927524 DOI: 10.1159/000530171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transcription of SHOX is dependent upon the interaction of the gene with a complex array of flanking regulatory elements. Duplications that contain flanking regulatory elements but not the SHOX gene have been reported in individuals with SHOX haploinsufficiency syndromes, suggesting that alterations to the physical organisation or genomic architecture may affect SHOX transcription. Individuals with tall stature and an additional X or Y chromosome have an extra copy of both the SHOX gene and the entire SHOX regulatory region, so all three copies of SHOX can be expressed fully. However, for a duplication of the SHOX gene that does not include all of the flanking regulatory elements, the potential effect on SHOX expression is difficult to predict. We present nine unpublished individuals with a SHOX whole gene duplication in whom the duplication contains variable amounts of the SHOX regulatory region, and we review 29 similar cases from the literature where phenotypic data were clearly stated. While tall stature was present in a proportion of these cases, we present evidence that SHOX whole gene duplications can also result in a phenotype more typically associated with SHOX haploinsufficiency and are significantly overrepresented in Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis and idiopathic short stature probands compared to population controls. Although similar-looking duplications do not always produce a consistent phenotype, there may be potential genotype-phenotype correlations regarding the duplication size, regulatory element content, and the breakpoint proximity to the SHOX gene. Although ClinGen does not currently consider SHOX whole gene duplications to be clinically significant, the ClinGen triplosensitivity score does not take into account the context of the duplication, and more is now known about SHOX duplications and the role of flanking elements in SHOX regulation. The evidence presented here suggests that these duplications should not be discounted without considering the extent of the duplication and the patient phenotype, and should be included in diagnostic laboratory reports as variants of uncertain significance. Given the uncertain pathogenicity of these duplications, any reports should encourage the exclusion of all other causes of short stature where possible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David J Bunyan
- Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - James I Hobbs
- Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK
| | | | - Rachel J Howarth
- Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK
| | - Sarah Beal
- Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK
| | - Diana Baralle
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Nicholas Simon Thomas
- Wessex Genomics Laboratory Service, Salisbury District Hospital, Salisbury, UK
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Falker-Gieske C, Bennewitz J, Tetens J. Structural variation and eQTL analysis in two experimental populations of chickens divergently selected for feather-pecking behavior. Neurogenetics 2023; 24:29-41. [PMID: 36449109 PMCID: PMC9823035 DOI: 10.1007/s10048-022-00705-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Feather pecking (FP) is a damaging nonaggressive behavior in laying hens with a heritable component. Its occurrence has been linked to the immune system, the circadian clock, and foraging behavior. Furthermore, dysregulation of miRNA biogenesis, disturbance of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAergic) system, as well as neurodevelopmental deficiencies are currently under debate as factors influencing the propensity for FP behavior. Past studies, which focused on the dissection of the genetic factors involved in FP, relied on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and short insertions and deletions < 50 bp (InDels). These variant classes only represent a certain fraction of the genetic variation of an organism. Hence, we reanalyzed whole-genome sequencing data from two experimental populations, which have been divergently selected for FP behavior for over more than 15 generations, performed variant calling for structural variants (SVs) as well as tandem repeats (TRs), and jointly analyzed the data with SNPs and InDels. Genotype imputation and subsequent genome-wide association studies, in combination with expression quantitative trait loci analysis, led to the discovery of multiple variants influencing the GABAergic system. These include a significantly associated TR downstream of the GABA receptor subunit beta-3 (GABRB3) gene, two microRNAs targeting several GABA receptor genes, and dystrophin (DMD), a direct regulator of GABA receptor clustering. Furthermore, we found the transcription factor ETV1 to be associated with the differential expression of 23 genes, which points toward a role of ETV1, together with SMAD4 and KLF14, in the disturbed neurodevelopment of high-feather pecking chickens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clemens Falker-Gieske
- Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Jörn Bennewitz
- grid.9464.f0000 0001 2290 1502Institute of Animal Science, University of Hohenheim, Garbenstr. 17, 70599 Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Jens Tetens
- grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Department of Animal Sciences, Georg-August-University, Burckhardtweg 2, 37077 Göttingen, Germany ,grid.7450.60000 0001 2364 4210Center for Integrated Breeding Research, Georg-August-University, Albrecht-Thaer-Weg 3, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Spurna Z, Capkova P, Srovnal J, Duchoslavova J, Punova L, Aleksijevic D, Vrtel R. Clinical impact of variants in non-coding regions of SHOX - Current knowledge. Gene 2022; 818:146238. [PMID: 35074420 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The short stature homeobox-containing (SHOX) is the most frequently analysed gene in patients classified as short stature patients (ISS) or diagnosed with Leri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), Langer mesomelic dysplasia (LMD), or Madelung deformity (MD). However, clinical testing of this gene focuses primarily on single nucleotide variants (SNV) in its coding sequences and copy number variants (CNV) overlapping SHOX gene. This review summarizes the clinical impact of variants in noncoding regions of SHOX. RECENT FINDINGS: CNV extending exclusively into the regulatory elements (i.e., not interrupting the coding sequence) are found more frequently in downstream regulatory elements of SHOX. Further, duplications are more frequent than deletions. Interestingly, downstream duplications are more common than deletions in patients with ISS or LWD but no such differences exist for upstream CNV. Moreover, the presence of specific CNVs in the patient population suggests the involvement of additional unknown factors. Some of its intronic variants, notably NM_000451.3(SHOX):c.-9delG and c.-65C>A in the 5'UTR, have unclear clinical roles. However, these intronic SNV may increase the probability that other CNV will arise de novo in the SHOX gene based on homologous recombination or incorrect splicing of mRNA. SUMMARY: This review highlights the clinical impact of noncoding changes in the SHOX gene and the need to apply new technologies and genotype-phenotype correlation in their analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Spurna
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic.
| | - Pavlina Capkova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Srovnal
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Duchoslavova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Punova
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Darina Aleksijevic
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Vrtel
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University Olomouc, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Clinical, Immunological, and Genetic Findings in a Cohort of Patients with the DiGeorge Phenotype without 22q11.2 Deletion. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11072025. [PMID: 35407632 PMCID: PMC8999496 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11072025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by a broad and heterogeneous clinical presentation associated with various degrees of T-cell deficiency. We report the clinical, immunologic, and genetic findings of a cohort of eight patients presenting with a clinical phenotype that is highly suggestive of this syndrome but without the 22q11.2 deletion. The cardinal features of 22q11.2DS, such as congenital heart defects, hypoparathyroidism, and facial dysmorphisms, were observed in the majority of the patient cohort. The unusual features are described in detail. The immunologic assessment showed various degrees of immunodeficiency of the T-cell compartment, notably a reduction in the thymic output. Half of the patient cohort exhibited a reduction in total dendritic cells. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) revealed six patients harboring copy number variations (CNVs) never reported in normal subjects. The gene content of these CNVs was carefully analyzed to understand the mechanisms leading to 22q11.2DS phenocopies. According to these results, we suggested that array-CGH should be used as a first-tier tool for patients resembling 22q11.2DS.
Collapse
|
10
|
Servetti M, Pisciotta L, Tassano E, Cerminara M, Nobili L, Boeri S, Rosti G, Lerone M, Divizia MT, Ronchetto P, Puliti A. Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Patients With Complex Phenotypes and Potential Complex Genetic Basis Involving Non-Coding Genes, and Double CNVs. Front Genet 2021; 12:732002. [PMID: 34621295 PMCID: PMC8490884 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.732002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous class of brain diseases, with a complex genetic basis estimated to account for up to 50% of cases. Nevertheless, genetic diagnostic yield is about 20%. Array-comparative genomic hybridization (array-CGH) is an established first-level diagnostic test able to detect pathogenic copy number variants (CNVs), however, most identified variants remain of uncertain significance (VUS). Failure of interpretation of VUSs may depend on various factors, including complexity of clinical phenotypes and inconsistency of genotype-phenotype correlations. Indeed, although most NDD-associated CNVs are de novo, transmission from unaffected parents to affected children of CNVs with high risk for NDDs has been observed. Moreover, variability of genetic components overlapped by CNVs, such as long non-coding genes, genomic regions with long-range effects, and additive effects of multiple CNVs can make CNV interpretation challenging. We report on 12 patients with complex phenotypes possibly explained by complex genetic mechanisms, including involvement of antisense genes and boundaries of topologically associating domains. Eight among the 12 patients carried two CNVs, either de novo or inherited, respectively, by each of their healthy parents, that could additively contribute to the patients’ phenotype. CNVs overlapped either known NDD-associated or novel candidate genes (PTPRD, BUD13, GLRA3, MIR4465, ABHD4, and WSCD2). Bioinformatic enrichment analyses showed that genes overlapped by the co-occurring CNVs have synergistic roles in biological processes fundamental in neurodevelopment. Double CNVs could concur in producing deleterious effects, according to a two-hit model, thus explaining the patients’ phenotypes and the incomplete penetrance, and variable expressivity, associated with the single variants. Overall, our findings could contribute to the knowledge on clinical and genetic diagnosis of complex forms of NDD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Servetti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Livia Pisciotta
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, ASST Fatebenefratelli Sacco, Milano, Italy
| | - Elisa Tassano
- Human Genetics Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cerminara
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Boeri
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Rosti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Margherita Lerone
- Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Ronchetto
- Human Genetics Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Aldamaria Puliti
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Medical Genetics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Santos-Terra J, Deckmann I, Fontes-Dutra M, Schwingel GB, Bambini-Junior V, Gottfried C. Transcription factors in neurodevelopmental and associated psychiatric disorders: A potential convergence for genetic and environmental risk factors. Int J Dev Neurosci 2021; 81:545-578. [PMID: 34240460 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous and highly prevalent group of psychiatric conditions marked by impairments in the nervous system. Their onset occurs during gestation, and the alterations are observed throughout the postnatal life. Although many genetic and environmental risk factors have been described in this context, the interactions between them challenge the understanding of the pathways associated with NDDs. Transcription factors (TFs)-a group of over 1,600 proteins that can interact with DNA, regulating gene expression through modulation of RNA synthesis-represent a point of convergence for different risk factors. In addition, TFs organize critical processes like angiogenesis, blood-brain barrier formation, myelination, neuronal migration, immune activation, and many others in a time and location-dependent way. In this review, we summarize important TF alterations in NDD and associated disorders, along with specific impairments observed in animal models, and, finally, establish hypotheses to explain how these proteins may be critical mediators in the context of genome-environment interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Júlio Santos-Terra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Iohanna Deckmann
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Mellanie Fontes-Dutra
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Gustavo Brum Schwingel
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - Carmem Gottfried
- Translational Research Group in Autism Spectrum Disorders (GETTEA), Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,School of Pharmacology and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Autism Wellbeing And Research Development (AWARD) Institute, BR-UK-CA, Preston, UK
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hoffmann S, Roeth R, Diebold S, Gogel J, Hassel D, Just S, Rappold GA. Identification and Tissue-Specific Characterization of Novel SHOX-Regulated Genes in Zebrafish Highlights SOX Family Members Among Other Genes. Front Genet 2021; 12:688808. [PMID: 34122528 PMCID: PMC8191631 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.688808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
SHOX deficiency causes a spectrum of clinical phenotypes related to skeletal dysplasia and short stature, including Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis, Langer mesomelic dysplasia, Turner syndrome, and idiopathic short stature. SHOX controls chondrocyte proliferation and differentiation, bone maturation, and cellular growth arrest and apoptosis via transcriptional regulation of its direct target genes NPPB, FGFR3, and CTGF. However, our understanding of SHOX-related pathways is still incomplete. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and to better understand the broad phenotypic spectrum of SHOX deficiency, we aimed to identify novel SHOX targets. We analyzed differentially expressed genes in SHOX-overexpressing human fibroblasts (NHDF), and confirmed the known SHOX target genes NPPB and FGFR among the most strongly regulated genes, together with 143 novel candidates. Altogether, 23 genes were selected for further validation, first by whole-body characterization in developing shox-deficient zebrafish embryos, followed by tissue-specific expression analysis in three shox-expressing zebrafish tissues: head (including brain, pharyngeal arches, eye, and olfactory epithelium), heart, and pectoral fins. Most genes were physiologically relevant in the pectoral fins, while only few genes were also significantly regulated in head and heart tissue. Interestingly, multiple sox family members (sox5, sox6, sox8, and sox18) were significantly dysregulated in shox-deficient pectoral fins together with other genes (nppa, nppc, cdkn1a, cdkn1ca, cyp26b1, and cy26c1), highlighting an important role for these genes in shox-related growth disorders. Network-based analysis integrating data from the Ingenuity pathways revealed that most of these genes act in a common network. Our results provide novel insights into the genetic pathways and molecular events leading to the clinical manifestation of SHOX deficiency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Hoffmann
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ralph Roeth
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,nCounter Core Facility, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabrina Diebold
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II - Molecular Cardiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jasmin Gogel
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Hassel
- Department of Internal Medicine III - Cardiology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Just
- Clinic for Internal Medicine II - Molecular Cardiology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gudrun A Rappold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Heidelberg/Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen Y, Xie Y, Jiang Y, Luo Q, Shi L, Zeng S, Zhuang J, Lyu G. The Genetic Etiology Diagnosis of Fetal Growth Restriction Using Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism-Based Chromosomal Microarray Analysis. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:743639. [PMID: 34722424 PMCID: PMC8555260 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.743639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An increase in pathogenic copy number variants (pCNVs) has been recognized to associate with fetal growth restriction (FGR). Here, we aim to explore the application value of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) in prenatal diagnosis of FGR. Methods: Prenatal ultrasound was applied to identify FGR. A total of 149 pregnant women with FGR were enrolled in our study. All subjects underwent karyotype analysis and CMA to reveal the chromosomal abnormalities. Results: In this study, all subjects were successfully detected by karyotype and CMA analyses. Of these subjects, the chromosomal abnormalities detection rate was 5.37% (8/149) for karyotyping and 13.42% (20/149) for CMA, respectively. Among them, an 8.05% (12/149) incremental yield of CMA over karyotype analysis was observed (p = 0.004). In addition, a significant difference of pCNV detection rate was observed between the groups with different high-risk factors (p = 0.005). The FGR with structural anomalies group showed the highest pCNV detection rate (33.33%), followed by the FGR with non-structural anomalies group (8.77%) and the isolated FGR group (8.06%). Conclusion: In conclusion, CMA technology showed an effective application value in etiology diagnosis of FGR. We believe that CMA should be recommended as first-line detection technology for prenatal diagnosis in FGR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu'e Chen
- Ultrasonography, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yingjun Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuying Jiang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qi Luo
- Department of Public Health for Women and Children, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Lijing Shi
- Ultrasonography, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Shuhong Zeng
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Jianlong Zhuang
- Prenatal Diagnosis Center, Quanzhou Women's and Children's Hospital, Quanzhou, China
| | - Guorong Lyu
- Ultrasonography, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Calderoni S, Ricca I, Balboni G, Cagiano R, Cassandrini D, Doccini S, Cosenza A, Tolomeo D, Tancredi R, Santorelli FM, Muratori F. Evaluation of Chromosome Microarray Analysis in a Large Cohort of Females with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Single Center Italian Study. J Pers Med 2020; 10:E160. [PMID: 33050239 PMCID: PMC7720139 DOI: 10.3390/jpm10040160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) encompass a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental disorders resulting from the complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Thanks to the chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) in clinical practice, the accurate identification and characterization of submicroscopic deletions/duplications (copy number variants, CNVs) associated with ASD was made possible. However, the widely acknowledged excess of males on the autism spectrum reflects on a paucity of CMA studies specifically focused on females with ASD (f-ASD). In this framework, we aim to evaluate the frequency of causative CNVs in a single-center cohort of idiopathic f-ASD. Among the 90 f-ASD analyzed, we found 20 patients with one or two potentially pathogenic CNVs, including those previously associated with ASD (located at 16p13.2 16p11.2, 15q11.2, and 22q11.21 regions). An exploratory genotype/phenotype analysis revealed that the f-ASD with causative CNVs had statistically significantly lower restrictive and repetitive behaviors than those without CNVs or with non-causative CNVs. Future work should focus on further understanding of f-ASD genetic underpinnings, taking advantage of next-generation sequencing technologies, with the ultimate goal of contributing to precision medicine in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.C.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ivana Ricca
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (I.R.); (D.C.); (S.D.); (D.T.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Giulia Balboni
- Department of Philosophy, Social and Human Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza G. Ermini 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy;
| | - Romina Cagiano
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.C.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Denise Cassandrini
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (I.R.); (D.C.); (S.D.); (D.T.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Stefano Doccini
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (I.R.); (D.C.); (S.D.); (D.T.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Angela Cosenza
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.C.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Deborah Tolomeo
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (I.R.); (D.C.); (S.D.); (D.T.); (F.M.S.)
- Department of Neurosciences, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health (NEUROFARBA), University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini, 6-50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.C.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
| | - Filippo Maria Santorelli
- Molecular Medicine, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, via dei Giacinti 2, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (I.R.); (D.C.); (S.D.); (D.T.); (F.M.S.)
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Viale del Tirreno 331, Calambrone, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (R.C.); (A.C.); (R.T.); (F.M.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Savi, 10, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Espeche LD, Solari AP, Mori MÁ, Arenas RM, Palomares M, Pérez M, Martínez C, Lotersztein V, Segovia M, Armando R, Dain LB, Nevado J, Lapunzina P, Rozental S. Implementation of chromosomal microarrays in a cohort of patients with intellectual disability at the Argentinean public health system. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:6863-6878. [PMID: 32920771 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05743-6] [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: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Intellectual disability is a neurodevelopmental disorder in which genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors are involved. In consequence, the determination of its etiology is usually complex. Though many countries have migrated from conventional cytogenetic analysis to chromosomal microarrays as the first-tier genetic test for patients with this condition, this last technique was implemented in our country a few years ago. We report on the results of the implementation of chromosomal microarrays in a cohort of 133 patients with intellectual disability and dysmorphic features, normal karyotype and normal subtelomeric MLPA results in an Argentinean public health institution. Clinically relevant copy number variants were found in 12% of the patients and one or more copy number variants classified as variants of uncertain significance were found in 5.3% of them. Although the diagnostic yield of chromosomal microarrays is greater than conventional cytogenetics for these patients, there are financial limitations to adopt this technique as a first-tier test in our country, especially in the public health system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Daniela Espeche
- Centro Nacional de Genética Médica "Dr. Eduardo Castilla"- ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea Paula Solari
- Centro Nacional de Genética Médica "Dr. Eduardo Castilla"- ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Ángeles Mori
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERER (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,ITHACA European Reference Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rubén Martín Arenas
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERER (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,ITHACA European Reference Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Palomares
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERER (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,ITHACA European Reference Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Myriam Pérez
- Centro Nacional de Genética Médica "Dr. Eduardo Castilla"- ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cinthia Martínez
- Centro Nacional de Genética Médica "Dr. Eduardo Castilla"- ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Vanesa Lotersztein
- Centro Nacional de Genética Médica "Dr. Eduardo Castilla"- ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mabel Segovia
- Centro Nacional de Genética Médica "Dr. Eduardo Castilla"- ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Romina Armando
- Servicio de Genética, Hospital de Niños "Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez", Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Liliana Beatriz Dain
- Centro Nacional de Genética Médica "Dr. Eduardo Castilla"- ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julián Nevado
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERER (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,ITHACA European Reference Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Lapunzina
- Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.,CIBERER (Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain.,ITHACA European Reference Network, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sandra Rozental
- Centro Nacional de Genética Médica "Dr. Eduardo Castilla"- ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Ministerio de Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Paduano F, Colao E, Loddo S, Orlando V, Trapasso F, Novelli A, Perrotti N, Iuliano R. 7q35 Microdeletion and 15q13.3 and Xp22.33 Microduplications in a Patient with Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy, Microcephaly, Dysmorphisms, Severe Psychomotor Delay and Intellectual Disability. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050525. [PMID: 32397165 PMCID: PMC7288449 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs) play a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we describe the detection of three CNVs simultaneously in a female patient with evidence of severe myoclonic epilepsy, microcephaly, hypertelorism, dimorphisms as well as severe psychomotor delay and intellectual disability. Array-CGH analysis revealed a ~240 kb microdeletion at the 7q35 inherited from her father, a ∼538 kb microduplication at the 15q13.3 region and a ∼178 kb microduplication at Xp22.33 region, both transmitted from her mother. The microdeletion in 7q35 was included within an intragenic region of the contactin associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene, whereas the microduplications at 15q13.3 and Xp22.33 involved the cholinergic receptor nicotinic α 7 subunit (CHRNA7) and the cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2) genes, respectively. Here, we describe a female patient harbouring three CNVs whose additive contribution could be responsible for her clinical phenotypes.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adult
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15/ultrastructure
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7/ultrastructure
- Chromosomes, Human, X/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, X/ultrastructure
- Consanguinity
- DNA Copy Number Variations
- Epilepsies, Myoclonic/genetics
- Female
- Gene Duplication
- Genetic Association Studies
- Humans
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Microcephaly/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics
- Pedigree
- Receptors, Cytokine/genetics
- Sequence Deletion
- Tissue Array Analysis
- alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paduano
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
- Tecnologica Research Institute and Marrelli Health, Biomedical Section, Stem Cells Unit, 88900 Crotone, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Viale Europa, Località Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emma Colao
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Sara Loddo
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.L.); (V.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Valeria Orlando
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.L.); (V.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Francesco Trapasso
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Viale Europa, Località Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.L.); (V.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Nicola Perrotti
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Iuliano
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
González-Cortés T, Gutiérrez-Contreras E, Espino-Silva PK, Haro-Santa Cruz J, Álvarez-Cruz D, Rosales-González CC, Sida-Godoy C, Nava-Hernández MP, López-Márquez FC, Ruiz-Flores P. Clinical Profile of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Pediatric Population from Northern Mexico. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:4409-4420. [PMID: 31385173 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04154-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition classified based on needs of support, in order to address impairments in the areas of social communication and restricted and repetitive behavior. The aim of this work is to describe the main clinical features of the ASD severity levels in a group of Mexican pediatric patients. The results show firstly that this condition was more frequent in males than females. Secondly, an inverse relationship was found between the intellectual coefficient and the level of severity of the disorder. Thirdly, deficits in social reciprocity and communication were more evident in Level 3, than in Levels 1 and 2, while the difference was less evident in restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tania González-Cortés
- Centro de Investigación y Atención del Autismo, Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) del Estado de Coahuila, Orquídeas 100 Torreón Residencial, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico.
| | - Elizabeth Gutiérrez-Contreras
- Centro de Investigación y Atención del Autismo, Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) del Estado de Coahuila, Orquídeas 100 Torreón Residencial, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Perla Karina Espino-Silva
- Facultad de Medicina Unidad Torreón, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Gregorio A. García 198 Centro, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Jorge Haro-Santa Cruz
- Facultad de Medicina Unidad Torreón, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Gregorio A. García 198 Centro, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Diana Álvarez-Cruz
- Centro de Investigación y Atención del Autismo, Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) del Estado de Coahuila, Orquídeas 100 Torreón Residencial, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Claudia Cecilia Rosales-González
- Centro de Investigación y Atención del Autismo, Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) del Estado de Coahuila, Orquídeas 100 Torreón Residencial, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Cristina Sida-Godoy
- Facultad de Medicina Unidad Torreón, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Gregorio A. García 198 Centro, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Martha Patricia Nava-Hernández
- Facultad de Medicina Unidad Torreón, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Gregorio A. García 198 Centro, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Francisco Carlos López-Márquez
- Facultad de Medicina Unidad Torreón, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Gregorio A. García 198 Centro, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| | - Pablo Ruiz-Flores
- Centro de Investigación y Atención del Autismo, Sistema Nacional para el Desarrollo Integral de la Familia (DIF) del Estado de Coahuila, Orquídeas 100 Torreón Residencial, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico.,Facultad de Medicina Unidad Torreón, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila, Gregorio A. García 198 Centro, 27000, Torreón, Coahuila, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Ross JL, Bloy L, Roberts TP, Miller J, Xing C, Silverman L, Zinn AR. Y chromosome gene copy number and lack of autism phenotype in a male with an isodicentric Y chromosome and absent NLGN4Y expression. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2019; 180:471-482. [PMID: 31161682 PMCID: PMC6730649 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
We describe a unique male with a dicentric Y chromosome whose phenotype was compared to that of males with 47,XYY (XYY). The male Y-chromosome aneuploidy XYY is associated with physical, behavioral/cognitive phenotypes, and autism spectrum disorders. We hypothesize that increased risk for these phenotypes is caused by increased copy number/overexpression of Y-encoded genes. Specifically, an extra copy of the neuroligin gene NLGN4Y might elevate the risk of autism in boys with XYY. We present a unique male with the karyotype 46,X,idic(Y)(q11.22), which includes duplication of the Y short arm and proximal long arm and deletion of the distal long arm, evaluated his physical, behavioral/cognitive, and neuroimaging/magnetoencephalography (MEG) phenotypes, and measured blood RNA expression of Y genes. The proband had tall stature and cognitive function within the typical range, without autism features. His blood RNA showed twofold increase in expression of Yp genes versus XY controls, and absent expression of deleted Yq genes, including NLGN4Y. The M100 latencies were similar to findings in typically developing males. In summary, the proband had overexpression of a subset of Yp genes, absent NLGN4Y expression, without ASD findings or XYY-MEG latency findings. These results are consistent with a role for NLGN4Y overexpression in the etiology of behavioral phenotypes associated with XYY. Further investigation of NLGN4Y as an ASD risk gene in XYY is warranted. The genotype and phenotype(s) of this subject may also provide insight into how Y chromosome genes contribute to normal male development and the male predominance in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith L. Ross
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemours DuPont Hospital for Children, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107
| | - Luke Bloy
- Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104
| | - Timothy P.L. Roberts
- Lurie Family Foundations MEG Imaging Center, Department of Radiology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 19104
| | - Judith Miller
- CHOP Center for Autism Research, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19146
| | - Chao Xing
- McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390,Department of Bioinformatics, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390,Department of Population and Data Sciences, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390
| | | | - Andrew R. Zinn
- McDermott Center for Human Growth and Development, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390,Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Roumelioti FM, Louizou E, Karras S, Neroutsou R, Velissariou V, Gagos S. Unbalanced X;9 translocation in an infertile male with de novo duplication Xp22.31p22.33. J Assist Reprod Genet 2019; 36:769-775. [PMID: 30675680 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-019-01405-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Male carriers of an X-autosome translocation are generally infertile, regardless of the position of the breakpoint on the X chromosome while the pathogenicity of Xp22.3 subtelomeric duplications is under debate. To shed light into this controversy, we present a rare case, of an azoospermic male with no other significant clinical findings, in whom classical cytogenetics revealed additional unbalanced chromosomal material, at the telomere of the long arm of one homolog of chromosome 9. METHODS In peripheral blood specimens of the index case and his parents, we performed GBanding, Inverted-DAPI Banding, AgNOR staining, Telomere specific Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization (FISH), Molecular karyotyping by Multi-color FISH, whole genome SNP microarrays, sub-telomeric MLPA, and transcription analysis of the expression of KAL1 gene by RT-PCR. RESULTS Multi-color FISH revealed an unbalanced translocation involving the short arm of chromosome X. SNP microarray analysis combined to classical cytogenetics and MLPA demonstrated a de novo 8.796 Mb duplication of Xp22.31-p22.33. Compared to three control specimens, the patient presented significantly elevated expression levels of KAL1 mRNA in peripheral blood, suggesting transcriptional functionality of the duplicated segment. CONCLUSIONS The duplicated segment contains the pseudo-autosomal region PAR1 and more than 30 genes including SHOX, ARSE, STS, KAL1, and FAM9A and is not listed as polymorphic. Our data advocate that duplications of the Xp22.3 region may not be associated with a clinical consequence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fani-Marlen Roumelioti
- Laboratory of Genetics, Center of Experimental Medicine and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, (BRFAA), Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Louizou
- Department of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Bioiatriki, Group of Health Sciences, Athens, Greece
| | - Spyridon Karras
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, First Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, AHEPA Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Rozalia Neroutsou
- Department of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Bioiatriki, Group of Health Sciences, Athens, Greece
| | - Voula Velissariou
- Department of Cytogenetics and Molecular Genetics, Bioiatriki, Group of Health Sciences, Athens, Greece
| | - Sarantis Gagos
- Laboratory of Genetics, Center of Experimental Medicine and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, (BRFAA), Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Neurodevelopmental disorders disproportionately affect males. The mechanisms underlying male vulnerability or female protection are not known and remain understudied. Determining the processes involved is crucial to understanding the etiology and advancing treatment of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we review current findings and theories that contribute to male preponderance of neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on autism. RECENT FINDINGS Recent work on the biological basis of the male preponderance of autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders includes discussion of a higher genetic burden in females and sex-specific gene mutations or epigenetic changes that differentially confer risk to males or protection to females. Other mechanisms discussed are sex chromosome and sex hormone involvement. Specifically, fetal testosterone is involved in many aspects of development and may interact with neurotransmitter, neuropeptide, or immune pathways to contribute to male vulnerability. Finally, the possibilities of female underdiagnosis and a multi-hit hypothesis are discussed. This review highlights current theories of male bias in developmental disorders. Topics include environmental, genetic, and epigenetic mechanisms; theories of sex chromosomes, hormones, neuroendocrine, and immune function; underdiagnosis of females; and a multi-hit hypothesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L. Ferri
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, 169 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
| | - Ted Abel
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Pappajohn Biomedical Discovery Building, 169 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
| | - Edward S. Brodkin
- Center for Neurobiology and Behavior, Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Translational Research Laboratory, 125 South 31 Street, Room 2202, Philadelphia, PA 19104-3403 USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Clinical significance of germline copy number variation in susceptibility of human diseases. J Genet Genomics 2018; 45:3-12. [PMID: 29396143 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2018.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Germline copy number variation (CNV) is considered to be an important form of human genetic polymorphisms. Previous studies have identified amounts of CNVs in human genome by advanced technologies, such as comparative genomic hybridization, single nucleotide genotyping, and high-throughput sequencing. CNV is speculated to be derived from multiple mechanisms, such as nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) and nonhomologous end-joining (NHEJ). CNVs cover a much larger genome scale than single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and may alter gene expression levels by means of gene dosage, gene fusion, gene disruption, and long-range regulation effects, thus affecting individual phenotypes and playing crucial roles in human pathogenesis. The number of studies linking CNVs with common complex diseases has increased dramatically in recent years. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the current understanding of germline CNVs, and summarize the association of germline CNVs with the susceptibility to a wide variety of human diseases that were identified in recent years. We also propose potential issues that should be addressed in future studies.
Collapse
|
22
|
Hirschfeldova K, Solc R. Comparison of SHOX and associated elements duplications distribution between patients (Lėri-Weill dyschondrosteosis/idiopathic short stature) and population sample. Gene 2017. [PMID: 28629824 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.06.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The effect of heterozygous duplications of SHOX and associated elements on Lėri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) and idiopathic short stature (ISS) development is less distinct when compared to reciprocal deletions. The aim of our study was to compare frequency and distribution of duplications within SHOX and associated elements between population sample and LWD (ISS) patients. A preliminary analysis conducted on Czech population sample of 250 individuals compared to our previously reported sample of 352 ISS/LWD Czech patients indicated that rather than the difference in frequency of duplications it is the difference in their distribution. Particularly, there was an increased frequency of duplications residing to the CNE-9 enhancer in our LWD/ISS sample. To see whether the obtained data are consistent across published studies we made a literature survey to get published cases with SHOX or associated elements duplication and formed the merged LWD, the merged ISS, and the merged population samples. Relative frequency of particular region duplication in each of those merged samples were calculated. There was a significant difference in the relative frequency of CNE-9 enhancer duplications (11 vs. 3) and complete SHOX (exon1-6b) duplications (4 vs. 24) (p-value 0.0139 and p-value 0.000014, respectively) between the merged LWD sample and the merged population sample. We thus propose that partial SHOX duplications and small duplications encompassing CNE-9 enhancer could be highly penetrant alleles associated with ISS and LWD development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Hirschfeldova
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Roman Solc
- Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, Charles University in Prague, Vinicna 7, 128 43 Prague, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Auger J, Baptiste A, Benabbad I, Thierry G, Costa JM, Amouyal M, Kottler ML, Leheup B, Touraine R, Schmitt S, Lebrun M, Cormier Daire V, Bonnefont JP, de Roux N, Elie C, Rosilio M. Genotype-Phenotype Relationship in Patients and Relatives with SHOX Region Anomalies in the French Population. Horm Res Paediatr 2017; 86:309-318. [PMID: 27676402 DOI: 10.1159/000448282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of our study was to describe a large population with anomalies involving the SHOX region, responsible for idiopathic short stature and Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD), and to identify a possible genotype/phenotype correlation. METHODS We performed a retrospective multicenter study on French subjects with a SHOX region anomaly diagnosed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification or Sanger sequencing. Phenotypes were collected in each of the 7 genetic laboratories practicing this technique for SHOX analysis. RESULTS Among 205 index cases and 100 related cases, 91.3% had LWD. For index cases, median age at evaluation was 11.7 (9.0; 15.9) years and mean height standard deviation score was -2.3 ± 1.1. A deletion of either SHOX or PAR1 or both was found in 74% of patients. Duplications and point mutations/indels affected 8 and 18% of the population, respectively. Genotype-phenotype correlation showed that deletions were more frequently associated with Madelung deformity and mesomelic shortening in girls, as well as with presence of radiologic anomalies, than duplications. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight genotype-phenotype relationships in the French population with a SHOX defect and provide new information showing that clinical expression is milder in cases of duplication compared to deletions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie Auger
- Department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, Brabois Hospital, Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Identification of 15 novel partial SHOX deletions and 13 partial duplications, and a review of the literature reveals intron 3 to be a hotspot region. J Hum Genet 2016; 62:229-234. [PMID: 27604558 DOI: 10.1038/jhg.2016.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Short stature homeobox gene (SHOX) is located in the pseudoautosomal region 1 of the sex chromosomes. It encodes a transcription factor implicated in the skeletal growth. Point mutations, deletions or duplications of SHOX or its transcriptional regulatory elements are associated with two skeletal dysplasias, Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis (LWD) and Langer mesomelic dysplasia (LMD), as well as in a small proportion of idiopathic short stature (ISS) individuals. We have identified a total of 15 partial SHOX deletions and 13 partial SHOX duplications in LWD, LMD and ISS patients referred for routine SHOX diagnostics during a 10 year period (2004-2014). Subsequently, we characterized these alterations using MLPA (multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification assay), fine-tiling array CGH (comparative genomic hybridation) and breakpoint PCR. Nearly half of the alterations have a distal or proximal breakpoint in intron 3. Evaluation of our data and that in the literature reveals that although partial deletions and duplications only account for a small fraction of SHOX alterations, intron 3 appears to be a breakpoint hotspot, with alterations arising by non-allelic homologous recombination, non-homologous end joining or other complex mechanisms.
Collapse
|
25
|
Abstract
SHOX deficiency is the most frequent genetic growth disorder associated with isolated and syndromic forms of short stature. Caused by mutations in the homeobox gene SHOX, its varied clinical manifestations include isolated short stature, Léri-Weill dyschondrosteosis, and Langer mesomelic dysplasia. In addition, SHOX deficiency contributes to the skeletal features in Turner syndrome. Causative SHOX mutations have allowed downstream pathology to be linked to defined molecular lesions. Expression levels of SHOX are tightly regulated, and almost half of the pathogenic mutations have affected enhancers. Clinical severity of SHOX deficiency varies between genders and ranges from normal stature to profound mesomelic skeletal dysplasia. Treatment options for children with SHOX deficiency are available. Two decades of research support the concept of SHOX as a transcription factor that integrates diverse aspects of bone development, growth plate biology, and apoptosis. Due to its absence in mouse, the animal models of choice have become chicken and zebrafish. These models, therefore, together with micromass cultures and primary cell lines, have been used to address SHOX function. Pathway and network analyses have identified interactors, target genes, and regulators. Here, we summarize recent data and give insight into the critical molecular and cellular functions of SHOX in the etiopathogenesis of short stature and limb development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marchini
- Tumour Virology Division F010 (A.M.), German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Oncology (A.M.), Luxembourg Institute of Health 84, rue Val Fleuri L-1526, Luxembourg; Department of Pediatrics (T.O.), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics (G.A.R.), Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tsutomu Ogata
- Tumour Virology Division F010 (A.M.), German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Oncology (A.M.), Luxembourg Institute of Health 84, rue Val Fleuri L-1526, Luxembourg; Department of Pediatrics (T.O.), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics (G.A.R.), Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gudrun A Rappold
- Tumour Virology Division F010 (A.M.), German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Oncology (A.M.), Luxembourg Institute of Health 84, rue Val Fleuri L-1526, Luxembourg; Department of Pediatrics (T.O.), Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu 431-3192, Japan; and Department of Human Molecular Genetics (G.A.R.), Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Murphy CM, Wilson CE, Robertson DM, Ecker C, Daly EM, Hammond N, Galanopoulos A, Dud I, Murphy DG, McAlonan GM. Autism spectrum disorder in adults: diagnosis, management, and health services development. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2016; 12:1669-86. [PMID: 27462160 PMCID: PMC4940003 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s65455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by pervasive difficulties since early childhood across reciprocal social communication and restricted, repetitive interests and behaviors. Although early ASD research focused primarily on children, there is increasing recognition that ASD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder. However, although health and education services for children with ASD are relatively well established, service provision for adults with ASD is in its infancy. There is a lack of health services research for adults with ASD, including identification of comorbid health difficulties, rigorous treatment trials (pharmacological and psychological), development of new pharmacotherapies, investigation of transition and aging across the lifespan, and consideration of sex differences and the views of people with ASD. This article reviews available evidence regarding the etiology, legislation, diagnosis, management, and service provision for adults with ASD and considers what is needed to support adults with ASD as they age. We conclude that health services research for adults with ASD is urgently warranted. In particular, research is required to better understand the needs of adults with ASD, including health, aging, service development, transition, treatment options across the lifespan, sex, and the views of people with ASD. Additionally, the outcomes of recent international legislative efforts to raise awareness of ASD and service provision for adults with ASD are to be determined. Future research is required to identify high-quality, evidence-based, and cost-effective models of care. Furthermore, future health services research is also required at the beginning and end of adulthood, including improved transition from youth to adult health care and increased understanding of aging and health in older adults with ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clodagh M Murphy
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - C Ellie Wilson
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
- Individual Differences, Language and Cognition Lab, Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, University of Seville, Spain
| | - Dene M Robertson
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Christine Ecker
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eileen M Daly
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Neil Hammond
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Anastasios Galanopoulos
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Iulia Dud
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Declan G Murphy
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Grainne M McAlonan
- Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, King’s College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, Behavioural Genetics Clinic, National Adult Autism Service, South London and Maudsley Foundation NHS Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|