1
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Nassisi M, Mainetti C, Sperti A, Galmozzi G, Aretti A, Leone G, Nicotra V, Grilli F, Rinaldi B, Natacci F, Bedeschi MF, Viola F. Optical coherence tomography angiography findings in Williams-Beuren syndrome. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2024; 262:1131-1140. [PMID: 38032380 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-023-06323-7] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare genetic disease characterized by psychomotor delay, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and endocrine problems. Retinal involvement, which is not well characterized, has also been described. The purpose of this cross-sectional study is to describe the characteristics in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT-angiography (OCTA) of patients with WBS. METHODS We included patients with WBS confirmed by genetic analysis. The patients underwent OCT (30° × 25°, 61 B-scans) and OCTA (10° × 10° and 20° × 20°) examinations, all centered on the. Data on retinal thickness (total, inner and outer layers) and foveal morphology on OCT and vessel and perfusion density in OCTA (VD and PD, respectively) were collected. These data were compared with an age-matched control group. RESULTS 22 eyes of 22 patients with WBS (10 females, mean age 31.5 years) were included. Retinal thickness (and specifically inner retinal layers) in OCT was significantly reduced in all sectors (central, parafoveal, and perifoveal) compared to the control group (p < 0.001 in all sectors). Fovea in WBS eyes was broader and shallower than controls. The PD and VD in both 10 and 20 degrees of fields in OCTA was significantly reduced in patients with WBS, in all vascular plexa (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to quantify and demonstrate retinal structural and microvascular alterations in patients with WBS. Further studies with longitudinal data will reveal the potential clinical relevance of these alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Nassisi
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy.
| | - Claudia Mainetti
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Sperti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Galmozzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Aretti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaia Leone
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Valeria Nicotra
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico Grilli
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Berardo Rinaldi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Natacci
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Bedeschi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department Woman Child Newborn, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Viola
- Ophthalmology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Via F. Sforza 35, 20100, Milan, Italy
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2
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Serrano-Juárez CA, Prieto-Corona B, Rodríguez-Camacho M, Sandoval-Lira L, Villalva-Sánchez ÁF, Yáñez-Téllez MG, López MFR. Neuropsychological Genotype-Phenotype in Patients with Williams Syndrome with Atypical Deletions: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2023; 33:891-911. [PMID: 36520254 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09571-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a microdeletion in the q11.23 region of chromosome 7. Recent case series reports and clinical case studies have suggested that the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social profile in WS could depend on the genes involved in the deletion. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze and synthesize the variability of the cognitive and behavioral profile of WS with atypical deletion and its probable relationship with the affected genes. The medical subject headings searched were "Williams syndrome," "genotype," "phenotype," "cognitive profile," and "atypical deletion." The studies included were in English or Spanish, with children and adults, and published between January 2000 and October 2022. Twenty-three studies are reported. The characteristics of the participants, the genes involved, the neuropsychological domains and instruments, and the prevalence of the WS cognitive profile criteria were used for the genotype-phenotype analysis. The genes with a major impact on the cognitive profile of WS were (a) LIMK1 and those belonging to the GTF2I family, the former with a greater influence on visuospatial abilities; (b) GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I, which have an impact on intellectual capacity as well as on visuospatial and social skills; (c) FZD9, BAZ1B, STX1A, and CLIP2, which influence the cognitive profile if other genes are also effected; and (d) GTF2IRD2, which is related to the severity of the effect on visuospatial and social skills, producing a behavioral phenotype like that of the autism spectrum. The review revealed four neuropsychological phenotypes, depending on the genes involved, and established the need for more comprehensive study of the neuropsychological profile of these patients. Based on the results found, we propose a model for the investigation of and clinical approach to the WS neuropsychological phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Serrano-Juárez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Belén Prieto-Corona
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México.
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Camacho
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Lucero Sandoval-Lira
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Ángel Fernando Villalva-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Ma Guillermina Yáñez-Téllez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
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3
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Feybesse C, Chokron S, Tordjman S. Melatonin in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Critical Literature Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2017. [PMID: 38001870 PMCID: PMC10669594 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12112017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The article presents a review of the relationships between melatonin and neurodevelopmental disorders. First, the antioxidant properties of melatonin and its physiological effects are considered to understand better the role of melatonin in typical and atypical neurodevelopment. Then, several neurodevelopmental disorders occurring during infancy, such as autism spectrum disorder or neurogenetic disorders associated with autism (including Smith-Magenis syndrome, Angelman syndrome, Rett's syndrome, Tuberous sclerosis, or Williams-Beuren syndrome) and neurodevelopmental disorders occurring later in adulthood like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, are discussed with regard to impaired melatonin production and circadian rhythms, in particular, sleep-wake rhythms. This article addresses the issue of overlapping symptoms that are commonly observed within these different mental conditions and debates the role of abnormal melatonin production and altered circadian rhythms in the pathophysiology and behavioral expression of these neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Feybesse
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent (PHUPEA), Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Regnier, 154 rue de Châtillon, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Sylvie Chokron
- Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center (INCC), CNRS UMR 8002, Université Paris Cité, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France;
| | - Sylvie Tordjman
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent (PHUPEA), Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Regnier, 154 rue de Châtillon, 35000 Rennes, France
- Integrative Neuroscience and Cognition Center (INCC), CNRS UMR 8002, Université Paris Cité, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75006 Paris, France;
- Faculté de Médecine, Université de Rennes, 2 Avenue du Professeur Léon Bernard, 35000 Rennes, France
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4
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Strong E, Mervis CB, Tam E, Morris CA, Klein-Tasman BP, Velleman SL, Osborne LR. DNA methylation profiles in individuals with rare, atypical 7q11.23 CNVs correlate with GTF2I and GTF2IRD1 copy number. NPJ Genom Med 2023; 8:25. [PMID: 37709781 PMCID: PMC10502022 DOI: 10.1038/s41525-023-00368-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) and 7q11.23 duplication syndrome (Dup7) are rare neurodevelopmental disorders caused by deletion and duplication of a 1.5 Mb region that includes at least five genes with a known role in epigenetic regulation. We have shown that CNV of this chromosome segment causes dose-dependent, genome-wide changes in DNA methylation, but the specific genes driving these changes are unknown. We measured genome-wide whole blood DNA methylation in six participants with atypical CNV of 7q11.23 (three with deletions and three with duplications) using the Illumina HumanMethylation450k array and compared their profiles with those from groups of individuals with classic WBS or classic Dup7 and with typically developing (TD) controls. Across the top 1000 most variable positions we found that only the atypical rearrangements that changed the copy number of GTF2IRD1 and/or GTF2I (coding for the TFII-IRD1 and TFII-I proteins) clustered with their respective syndromic cohorts. This finding was supported by results from hierarchical clustering across a selection of differentially methylated CpGs, in addition to pyrosequencing validation. These findings suggest that CNV of the GTF2I genes at the telomeric end of the 7q11.23 interval is a key contributor to the large changes in DNA methylation that are seen in blood DNA from our WBS and Dup7 cohorts, compared to TD controls. Our findings suggest that members of the TFII-I protein family are involved in epigenetic processes that alter DNA methylation on a genome-wide level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Strong
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Genome Diagnostics, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Children's and Women's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Carolyn B Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Elaine Tam
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Colleen A Morris
- Department of Pediatrics, Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | | | - Shelley L Velleman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Lucy R Osborne
- Departments of Medicine and Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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5
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Cummings CT, Starr LJ. Biallelic GTF2IRD1 variants in brothers with profound neurodevelopmental disorder: A possible novel disorder involving a critical gene for Williams syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2023; 191:332-337. [PMID: 36308390 PMCID: PMC10091947 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63021] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
GTF2IRD1, a gene on chromosome 7 which encodes a transcription factor, is of significant clinical interest due to its heterozygous loss as part of the classical deletion associated with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). However, biallelic variants in GTF2IRD1 alone as part of an autosomal recessive disease have not been previously reported. Here, we present two full brothers with variants in trans of GTF2IRD1 at c.1231C > T (p.Arg411Trp) and c.2632C > G (p.Leu878Val). A detailed clinical phenotype is described, which includes severe neurodevelopmental disability, facial dysmorphology, and pectus excavatum. Importantly, out of eight full siblings, only these two brothers harboring both variants in trans present with the profound described phenotype. We present the possibility that these brothers represent the identification of a new syndrome characterized by biallelic variants in GTF2IRD1, which may also have important implications for the molecular etiology of WBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Thomas Cummings
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Lois Janelle Starr
- Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital and Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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6
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Zhou J, Zheng Y, Liang G, Xu X, Liu J, Chen S, Ge T, Wen P, Zhang Y, Liu X, Zhuang J, Wu Y, Chen J. Atypical deletion of Williams-Beuren syndrome reveals the mechanism of neurodevelopmental disorders. BMC Med Genomics 2022; 15:79. [PMID: 35379245 PMCID: PMC8981662 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-022-01227-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes associated with specific neurocognitive phenotypes in Williams–Beuren syndrome are still controversially discussed. This study identified nine patients with atypical deletions out of 111 patients with Williams–Beuren syndrome; these deletions included seven smaller deletions and two larger deletions. One patient had normal neurodevelopment with a deletion of genes on the distal side of the Williams–Beuren syndrome chromosomal region, including GTF2I and GTF2IRD1. However, another patient retained these genes but showed neurodevelopmental abnormalities. By comparing the genotypes and phenotypes of patients with typical and atypical deletions and previous reports in the literature, we hypothesize that the BAZ1B, FZD9, and STX1A genes may play an important role in the neurodevelopment of patients with WBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianrong Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zheng
- Department of Nutrition, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guiying Liang
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoxian Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tongkai Ge
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pengju Wen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Research Department of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Liu
- Division of Epidemiology, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital and Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Zhuang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yueheng Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China. .,Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jimei Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China. .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of South China Structural Heart Disease, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China.
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7
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Alesi V, Loddo S, Orlando V, Genovese S, Di Tommaso S, Liambo MT, Pompili D, Ferretti D, Calacci C, Catino G, Falasca R, Dentici ML, Novelli A, Digilio MC, Dallapiccola B. Atypical 7q11.23 deletions excluding ELN gene result in Williams-Beuren syndrome craniofacial features and neurocognitive profile. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 185:242-249. [PMID: 33098373 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beurens syndrome (WBS) is a rare genetic disorder caused by a recurrent 7q11.23 microdeletion. Clinical characteristics include typical facial dysmorphisms, weakness of connective tissue, short stature, mild to moderate intellectual disability and distinct behavioral phenotype. Cardiovascular diseases are common due to haploinsufficiency of ELN gene. A few cases of larger or smaller deletions have been reported spanning towards the centromeric or the telomeric regions, most of which included ELN gene. We report on three patients from two unrelated families, presenting with distinctive WBS features, harboring an atypical distal deletion excluding ELN gene. Our study supports a critical role of CLIP2, GTF2IRD1, and GTF2I gene in the WBS neurobehavioral profile and in craniofacial features, highlights a possible role of HIP1 in the autism spectrum disorder, and delineates a subgroup of WBS individuals with an atypical distal deletion not associated to an increased risk of cardiovascular defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Alesi
- Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Loddo
- Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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8
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López-Tobón A, Trattaro S, Testa G. The sociability spectrum: evidence from reciprocal genetic copy number variations. Mol Autism 2020; 11:50. [PMID: 32546261 PMCID: PMC7298749 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-020-00347-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Sociability entails some of the most complex behaviors processed by the central nervous system. It includes the detection, integration, and interpretation of social cues and elaboration of context-specific responses that are quintessentially species-specific. There is an ever-growing accumulation of molecular associations to autism spectrum disorders (ASD), from causative genes to endophenotypes across multiple functional layers; these however, have rarely been put in context with the opposite manifestation featured in hypersociability syndromes. Genetic copy number variations (CNVs) allow to investigate the relationships between gene dosage and its corresponding phenotypes. In particular, CNVs of the 7q11.23 locus, which manifest diametrically opposite social behaviors, offer a privileged window to look into the molecular substrates underlying the developmental trajectories of the social brain. As by definition sociability is studied in humans postnatally, the developmental fluctuations causing social impairments have thus far remained a black box. Here, we review key evidence of molecular players involved at both ends of the sociability spectrum, focusing on genetic and functional associations of neuroendocrine regulators and synaptic transmission pathways. We then proceed to propose the existence of a molecular axis centered around the paradigmatic dosage imbalances at the 7q11.23 locus, regulating networks responsible for the development of social behavior in humans and highlight the key role that neurodevelopmental models from reprogrammed pluripotent cells will play for its understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro López-Tobón
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Sebastiano Trattaro
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Testa
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Epigenetics, IEO, European Institute of Oncology, IRCCS, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
- Human Technopole, Via Cristina Belgioioso 171, Milan, Italy.
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9
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Hui K, Katayama Y, Nakayama KI, Nomura J, Sakurai T. Characterizing vulnerable brain areas and circuits in mouse models of autism: Towards understanding pathogenesis and new therapeutic approaches. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 110:77-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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10
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Lugo M, Wong ZC, Billington CJ, Parrish PCR, Muldoon G, Liu D, Pober BR, Kozel BA. Social, neurodevelopmental, endocrine, and head size differences associated with atypical deletions in Williams-Beuren syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 182:1008-1020. [PMID: 32077592 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystem disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion on 7q11.23 encompassing 26-28 genes. An estimated 2-5% of patients have "atypical" deletions, which extend in the centromeric and/or telomeric direction from the WBS critical region. To elucidate clinical differentiators among these deletion types, we evaluated 10 individuals with atypical deletions in our cohort and 17 individuals with similarly classified deletions previously described in the literature. Larger deletions in either direction often led to more severe developmental delays, while deletions containing MAGI2 were associated with infantile spasms and seizures in patients. In addition, head size was notably smaller in those with centromeric deletions including AUTS2. Because children with atypical deletions were noted to be less socially engaged, we additionally sought to determine how atypical deletions relate to social phenotypes. Using the Social Responsiveness Scale-2, raters scored individuals with atypical deletions as having different social characteristics to those with typical WBS deletions (p = .001), with higher (more impaired) scores for social motivation (p = .005) in the atypical deletion group. In recognizing these distinctions, physicians can better identify patients, including those who may already carry a clinical or FISH WBS diagnosis, who may benefit from additional molecular evaluation, screening, and therapy. In addition to the clinical findings, we note mild endocrine findings distinct from those typically seen in WBS in several patients with telomeric deletions that included POR. Further study in additional telomeric deletion cases will be needed to confirm this observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Lugo
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina.,Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Zoë C Wong
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Charles J Billington
- Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine Training Program, National Human Genetics Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Phoebe C R Parrish
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Glennis Muldoon
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Delong Liu
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Barbara R Pober
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Beth A Kozel
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland.,Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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11
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Rosenfeld CS, Hekman JP, Johnson JL, Lyu Z, Ortega MT, Joshi T, Mao J, Vladimirova AV, Gulevich RG, Kharlamova AV, Acland GM, Hecht EE, Wang X, Clark AG, Trut LN, Behura SK, Kukekova AV. Hypothalamic transcriptome of tame and aggressive silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes) identifies gene expression differences shared across brain regions. GENES BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR 2019; 19:e12614. [PMID: 31605445 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The underlying neurological events accompanying dog domestication remain elusive. To reconstruct the domestication process in an experimental setting, silver foxes (Vulpes vulpes) have been deliberately bred for tame vs aggressive behaviors for more than 50 generations at the Institute for Cytology and Genetics in Novosibirsk, Russia. The hypothalamus is an essential part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and regulates the fight-or-flight response, and thus, we hypothesized that selective breeding for tameness/aggressiveness has shaped the hypothalamic transcriptomic profile. RNA-seq analysis identified 70 differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Seven of these genes, DKKL1, FBLN7, NPL, PRIMPOL, PTGRN, SHCBP1L and SKIV2L, showed the same direction expression differences in the hypothalamus, basal forebrain and prefrontal cortex. The genes differentially expressed across the three tissues are involved in cell division, differentiation, adhesion and carbohydrate processing, suggesting an association of these processes with selective breeding. Additionally, 159 transcripts from the hypothalamus demonstrated differences in the abundance of alternative spliced forms between the tame and aggressive foxes. Weighted gene coexpression network analyses also suggested that gene modules in hypothalamus were significantly associated with tame vs aggressive behavior. Pathways associated with these modules include signal transduction, interleukin signaling, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and peptide ligand-binding receptors (eg, G-protein coupled receptor [GPCR] ligand binding). Current studies show the selection for tameness vs aggressiveness in foxes is associated with unique hypothalamic gene profiles partly shared with other brain regions and highlight DEGs involved in biological processes such as development, differentiation and immunological responses. The role of these processes in fox and dog domestication remains to be determined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl S Rosenfeld
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Thompson Center for Autism and Neurobehavioral Disorders, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jessica P Hekman
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois.,The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jennifer L Johnson
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
| | - Zhen Lyu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Madison T Ortega
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Trupti Joshi
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Department of Computer Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Jiude Mao
- Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Anastasiya V Vladimirova
- The Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Rimma G Gulevich
- The Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Anastasiya V Kharlamova
- The Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Gregory M Acland
- Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York
| | - Erin E Hecht
- Department of Human Evolutionary Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Pathobiology, Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn, Alabama
| | - Andrew G Clark
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Lyudmila N Trut
- The Laboratory of Evolutionary Genetics, Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Susanta K Behura
- MU Informatics Institute, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri.,Division of Animal Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
| | - Anna V Kukekova
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of Agricultural, Consumer, and Environmental Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, Illinois
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12
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Cognitive, Behavioral, and Adaptive Profiles in Williams Syndrome With and Without Loss of GTF2IRD2. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2018; 24:896-904. [PMID: 30375319 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617718000711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from a heterozygous microdeletion on chromosome 7q11.23. Most of the time, the affected region contains ~1.5 Mb of sequence encoding approximately 24 genes. Some 5-8% of patients with WS have a deletion exceeding 1.8 Mb, thereby affecting two additional genes, including GTF2IRD2. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the implications of GTF2IRD2 loss for the neuropsychological phenotype of WS patients. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to identify the role of GTF2IRD2 in the cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive profile of WS patients. METHODS Twelve patients diagnosed with WS participated, four with GTF2IRD2 deletion (atypical WS group), and eight without this deletion (typical WS group). The age range of both groups was 7-18 years old. Each patient's 7q11.23 deletion scope was determined by chromosomal microarray analysis. Cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive abilities were assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tests. RESULTS Compared with the typical WS group, the atypical WS patients with GTF2IRD2 deletion had more impaired visuospatial abilities and more significant behavioral problems, mainly related to the construct of social cognition. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new evidence regarding the influence of the GTF2IRD2 gene on the severity of behavioral symptoms of WS related to social cognition and certain visuospatial abilities. (JINS, 2018, 24, 896-904).
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13
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Ghaffari M, Tahmasebi Birgani M, Kariminejad R, Saberi A. Genotype–phenotype correlation and the size of microdeletion or microduplication of 7q11.23 region in patients with Williams‐Beuren syndrome. Ann Hum Genet 2018; 82:469-476. [DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Ghaffari
- Departement of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | - Maryam Tahmasebi Birgani
- Departement of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | | | - Alihossein Saberi
- Departement of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
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14
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The chromatin basis of neurodevelopmental disorders: Rethinking dysfunction along the molecular and temporal axes. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2018; 84:306-327. [PMID: 29309830 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of the human brain emerges from a long and finely tuned developmental process orchestrated by the crosstalk between genome and environment. Vis à vis other species, the human brain displays unique functional and morphological features that result from this extensive developmental process that is, unsurprisingly, highly vulnerable to both genetically and environmentally induced alterations. One of the most striking outcomes of the recent surge of sequencing-based studies on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) is the emergence of chromatin regulation as one of the two domains most affected by causative mutations or Copy Number Variations besides synaptic function, whose involvement had been largely predicted for obvious reasons. These observations place chromatin dysfunction at the top of the molecular pathways hierarchy that ushers in a sizeable proportion of NDDs and that manifest themselves through synaptic dysfunction and recurrent systemic clinical manifestation. Here we undertake a conceptual investigation of chromatin dysfunction in NDDs with the aim of systematizing the available evidence in a new framework: first, we tease out the developmental vulnerabilities in human corticogenesis as a structuring entry point into the causation of NDDs; second, we provide a much needed clarification of the multiple meanings and explanatory frameworks revolving around "epigenetics", highlighting those that are most relevant for the analysis of these disorders; finally we go in-depth into paradigmatic examples of NDD-causing chromatin dysregulation, with a special focus on human experimental models and datasets.
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15
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Tordjman S, Cohen D, Anderson G, Botbol M, Canitano R, Coulon N, Roubertoux P. Repint of “Reframing autism as a behavioral syndrome and not a specific mental disorder: Implications of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity”. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 89:132-150. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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16
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Chailangkarn T, Noree C, Muotri AR. The contribution of GTF2I haploinsufficiency to Williams syndrome. Mol Cell Probes 2018; 40:45-51. [PMID: 29305905 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder involving hemideletion of as many as 26-28 genes, resulting in a constellation of unique physical, cognitive and behavior phenotypes. The haploinsufficiency effect of each gene has been studied and correlated with phenotype(s) using several models including WS subjects, animal models, and peripheral cell lines. However, links for most of the genes to WS phenotypes remains unclear. Among those genes, general transcription factor 2I (GTF2I) is of particular interest as its haploinsufficiency is possibly associated with hypersociability in WS. Here, we describe studies of atypical WS cases as well as mouse models focusing on GTF2I that support a role for this protein in the neurocognitive and behavioral profiles of WS individuals. We also review collective studies on diverse molecular functions of GTF2I that may provide mechanistic explanation for phenotypes recently reported in our relevant cellular model, namely WS induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons. Finally, in light of the progress in gene-manipulating approaches, we suggest their uses in revealing the neural functions of GTF2I in the context of WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanathom Chailangkarn
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), Virology and Cell Technology Laboratory, Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
| | - Chalongrat Noree
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, 25/25 Phuttamonthon 4 Road, Salaya, Phuttamonthon, Nakhon Pathom, 73170, Thailand
| | - Alysson R Muotri
- University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, UCSD Stem Cell Program, Department of Pediatrics/Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA; Center for Academic Research and Training in Anthropogeny (CARTA), La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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17
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Lew CH, Groeniger KM, Bellugi U, Stefanacci L, Schumann CM, Semendeferi K. A postmortem stereological study of the amygdala in Williams syndrome. Brain Struct Funct 2017; 223:1897-1907. [PMID: 29270815 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1592-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Perturbations to the amygdala have been observed in neurological disorders characterized by abnormalities in social behavior, such as autism and schizophrenia. Here, we quantitatively examined the amygdala in the postmortem human brains of male and female individuals diagnosed with Williams Syndrome (WS), a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a well-defined deletion of ~ 26 genes, and accompanied by a consistent behavioral profile that includes profound hypersociability. Using unbiased stereological sampling, we estimated nucleus volume, number of neurons, neuron density, and neuron soma area in four major amygdaloid nuclei- the lateral nucleus, basal nucleus, accessory basal nucleus, and central nucleus- in a sample of five adult and two infant WS brains and seven age-, sex- and hemisphere-matched typically developing control (TD) brains. Boundaries of the four nuclei examined were drawn on Nissl-stained coronal sections as four separate regions of interest for data collection. We found that the lateral nucleus contains significantly more neurons in WS compared to TD. WS and TD do not demonstrate significant differences in neuron number in the basal, accessory basal, or central nuclei, and there are no significant differences between WS and TD in nuclei volume, neuron density, and neuron soma area in any of the four nuclei. A similarly designed study reported a decrease in lateral nucleus neuron number in autism, mirroring the opposing extremes of the two disorders in the social domain. These results suggest that the number of neurons in the lateral nucleus may contribute to pathological disturbances in amygdala function and sociobehavioral phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline H Lew
- Department of Anthropology, Social Sciences Building Rm. 210, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0532, USA
| | - Kimberly M Groeniger
- Department of Anthropology, Social Sciences Building Rm. 210, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0532, USA
| | - Ursula Bellugi
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Lisa Stefanacci
- Department of Anthropology, Social Sciences Building Rm. 210, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0532, USA
| | - Cynthia M Schumann
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Katerina Semendeferi
- Department of Anthropology, Social Sciences Building Rm. 210, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0532, USA. .,Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, University of California, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
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18
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Procyshyn TL, Spence J, Read S, Watson NV, Crespi BJ. The Williams syndrome prosociality gene GTF2I mediates oxytocin reactivity and social anxiety in a healthy population. Biol Lett 2017; 13:rsbl.2017.0051. [PMID: 28424317 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2017.0051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurohormone oxytocin plays a central role in human social behaviour and cognition, and oxytocin dysregulation may contribute to psychiatric disorders. However, genetic factors influencing individual variation in the oxytocinergic system remain poorly understood. We genotyped 169 healthy adults for a functional polymorphism in GTF2I (general transcription factor II-I), a gene associated with high prosociality and reduced social anxiety in Williams syndrome, a condition reported to involve high oxytocin levels and reactivity. Participants' salivary oxytocin levels were measured before and after watching a validated empathy-inducing video. Oxytocin reactivity, defined as pre- to post-video percentage change in salivary oxytocin, varied substantially and significantly between individuals with different GTF2I genotypes, with, additionally, a trend towards an interaction between genotype and sex. Individuals with more oxytocin-reactive genotypes also reported significantly lower social anxiety. These findings suggest a model whereby GTF2I has a continuum of effects on human sociality, from the extreme social phenotypes and oxytocin dysregulation associated with gene deletion in Williams syndrome, to individual differences in oxytocin reactivity and sociality associated with common polymorphisms in healthy populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya L Procyshyn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Jason Spence
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Silven Read
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Neil V Watson
- Department of Psychology, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Bernard J Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, Canada V5A 1S6
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19
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Guella I, McKenzie MB, Evans DM, Buerki SE, Toyota EB, Van Allen MI, Suri M, Elmslie F, Simon ME, van Gassen KL, Héron D, Keren B, Nava C, Connolly MB, Demos M, Farrer MJ, Adam S, Boelman C, Bolbocean C, Candido T, Eydoux P, Horvath G, Huh L, Nelson TN, Sinclair G, van Karnebeek C, Vercauteren S. De Novo Mutations in YWHAG Cause Early-Onset Epilepsy. Am J Hum Genet 2017; 101:300-310. [PMID: 28777935 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Accepted: 07/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Massively parallel sequencing has revealed many de novo mutations in the etiology of developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (EEs), highlighting their genetic heterogeneity. Additional candidate genes have been prioritized in silico by their co-expression in the brain. Here, we evaluate rare coding variability in 20 candidates nominated with the use of a reference gene set of 51 established EE-associated genes. Variants within the 20 candidate genes were extracted from exome-sequencing data of 42 subjects with EE and no previous genetic diagnosis. We identified 7 rare non-synonymous variants in 7 of 20 genes and performed Sanger sequence validation in affected probands and parental samples. De novo variants were found only in SLC1A2 (aka EAAT2 or GLT1) (c.244G>A [p.Gly82Arg]) and YWHAG (aka 14-3-3γ) (c.394C>T [p.Arg132Cys]), highlighting the potential cause of EE in 5% (2/42) of subjects. Seven additional subjects with de novo variants in SLC1A2 (n = 1) and YWHAG (n = 6) were subsequently identified through online tools. We identified a highly significant enrichment of de novo variants in YWHAG, establishing their role in early-onset epilepsy, and we provide additional support for the prior assignment of SLC1A2. Hence, in silico modeling of brain co-expression is an efficient method for nominating EE-associated genes to further elucidate the disorder's etiology and genotype-phenotype correlations.
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20
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Crespi BJ, Procyshyn TL. Williams syndrome deletions and duplications: Genetic windows to understanding anxiety, sociality, autism, and schizophrenia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 79:14-26. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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21
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vonHoldt BM, Shuldiner E, Koch IJ, Kartzinel RY, Hogan A, Brubaker L, Wanser S, Stahler D, Wynne CDL, Ostrander EA, Sinsheimer JS, Udell MAR. Structural variants in genes associated with human Williams-Beuren syndrome underlie stereotypical hypersociability in domestic dogs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1700398. [PMID: 28776031 PMCID: PMC5517105 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1700398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Although considerable progress has been made in understanding the genetic basis of morphologic traits (for example, body size and coat color) in dogs and wolves, the genetic basis of their behavioral divergence is poorly understood. An integrative approach using both behavioral and genetic data is required to understand the molecular underpinnings of the various behavioral characteristics associated with domestication. We analyze a 5-Mb genomic region on chromosome 6 previously found to be under positive selection in domestic dog breeds. Deletion of this region in humans is linked to Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), a multisystem congenital disorder characterized by hypersocial behavior. We associate quantitative data on behavioral phenotypes symptomatic of WBS in humans with structural changes in the WBS locus in dogs. We find that hypersociability, a central feature of WBS, is also a core element of domestication that distinguishes dogs from wolves. We provide evidence that structural variants in GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, genes previously implicated in the behavioral phenotype of patients with WBS and contained within the WBS locus, contribute to extreme sociability in dogs. This finding suggests that there are commonalities in the genetic architecture of WBS and canine tameness and that directional selection may have targeted a unique set of linked behavioral genes of large phenotypic effect, allowing for rapid behavioral divergence of dogs and wolves, facilitating coexistence with humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridgett M. vonHoldt
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Corresponding author.
| | - Emily Shuldiner
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
- Translational Genetics and Genomics Unit, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ilana Janowitz Koch
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Rebecca Y. Kartzinel
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Andrew Hogan
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lauren Brubaker
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, OR 97331, USA
| | - Shelby Wanser
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, OR 97331, USA
| | - Daniel Stahler
- Yellowstone Center for Resources, National Park Service, Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190, USA
| | - Clive D. L. Wynne
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA
| | - Elaine A. Ostrander
- Cancer Genetics and Comparative Genomics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Janet S. Sinsheimer
- Departments of Human Genetics and Biomathematics, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Monique A. R. Udell
- Department of Animal and Rangeland Sciences, Oregon State University, OR 97331, USA
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22
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Robert C, Pasquier L, Cohen D, Fradin M, Canitano R, Damaj L, Odent S, Tordjman S. Role of Genetics in the Etiology of Autistic Spectrum Disorder: Towards a Hierarchical Diagnostic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E618. [PMID: 28287497 PMCID: PMC5372633 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Progress in epidemiological, molecular and clinical genetics with the development of new techniques has improved knowledge on genetic syndromes associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The objective of this article is to show the diversity of genetic disorders associated with ASD (based on an extensive review of single-gene disorders, copy number variants, and other chromosomal disorders), and consequently to propose a hierarchical diagnostic strategy with a stepwise evaluation, helping general practitioners/pediatricians and child psychiatrists to collaborate with geneticists and neuropediatricians, in order to search for genetic disorders associated with ASD. The first step is a clinical investigation involving: (i) a child psychiatric and psychological evaluation confirming autism diagnosis from different observational sources and assessing autism severity; (ii) a neuropediatric evaluation examining neurological symptoms and developmental milestones; and (iii) a genetic evaluation searching for dysmorphic features and malformations. The second step involves laboratory and if necessary neuroimaging and EEG studies oriented by clinical results based on clinical genetic and neuropediatric examinations. The identification of genetic disorders associated with ASD has practical implications for diagnostic strategies, early detection or prevention of co-morbidity, specific treatment and follow up, and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyrille Robert
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent (PHUPEA), University of Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, 35200 Rennes, France.
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - Laurent Pasquier
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - David Cohen
- Hospital-University Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Pitié-Salpétrière Hospital, Paris 6 University, 75013 Paris, France.
| | - Mélanie Fradin
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - Roberto Canitano
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy.
| | - Léna Damaj
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - Sylvie Odent
- Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Anomalies du Développement (Centre Labellisé pour les Anomalies du Développement de l'Ouest: CLAD Ouest), Hôpital Sud, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, 35200 Rennes, France.
| | - Sylvie Tordjman
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent (PHUPEA), University of Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, 35200 Rennes, France.
- Laboratory of Psychology of Perception, University Paris Descartes, 75270 Paris, France.
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23
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Hu S, Yang Y, Liu L, Tan Z, Zhao T. High-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism arrays identified an atypical microdeletion of the Williams-Beuren syndrome interval in a patient presenting with a different phenotype. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:2709-2712. [PMID: 28259930 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to identify the mutation causing an atypical syndrome. High-resolution single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) arrays are considered to be a major detection method for submicroscopic chromosomal rearrangements smaller than 5 Mb in size. Genomic DNA samples of the patient and his parents were converted to a final concentration of 50 ng/ml. The Illumina BeadScan genotyping system and the HumanOmni1‑Quad Chip were employed to obtain the signal intensities of SNP probes. The patient presented with congenital heart disease, autism, mental retardation, growth retardation, hypercalcemia, nephroliths and cleft palate. The karyotypes of the patient and his parents were normal. The present study employed high‑resolution SNP arrays to analyze the whole genome for copy number variations (CNVs). A total of 309 CNVs were discovered. A de novo 1.5 Mb gain of chromosome 7q11.23 (Chr7: 72,357,322‑73,856,472) was identified following exclusion of CNVs presented in the Database of Genomic Variants. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the current study describes the first case of a patient presenting with Williams‑Beuren syndrome alongside supravalvular aortic stenosis, autism and cleft palate, and identifies an atypical deletion at 7q11.23.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijun Hu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Yifeng Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Stomatology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Zhiping Tan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
| | - Tianli Zhao
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, P.R. China
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Tordjman S, Cohen D, Coulon N, Anderson GM, Botbol M, Canitano R, Roubertoux PL. Reframing autism as a behavioral syndrome and not a specific mental disorder: Implications of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 80:210. [PMID: 28153685 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and molecular genetics have advanced current knowledge on genetic disorders associated with autism. A review of diverse genetic disorders associated with autism is presented and for the first time discussed extensively with regard to possible common underlying mechanisms leading to a similar cognitive-behavioral phenotype of autism. The possible role of interactions between genetic and environmental factors, including epigenetic mechanisms, is in particular examined. Finally, the pertinence of distinguishing non-syndromic autism (isolated autism) from syndromic autism (autism associated with genetic disorders) will be reconsidered. Given the high genetic and etiological heterogeneity of autism, autism can be viewed as a behavioral syndrome related to known genetic disorders (syndromic autism) or currently unknown disorders (apparent non-syndromic autism), rather than a specific categorical mental disorder. It highlights the need to study autism phenotype and developmental trajectory through a multidimensional, non-categorical approach with multivariate analyses within autism spectrum disorder but also across mental disorders, and to conduct systematically clinical genetic examination searching for genetic disorders in all individuals (children but also adults) with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tordjman
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1 and Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, 154 rue de Châtillon, 35200 Rennes, France; Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes and CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France.
| | - D Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - N Coulon
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes and CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - G M Anderson
- Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - M Botbol
- Departement Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l'Enfant et de l'Adolescent, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, Brest, France
| | - R Canitano
- Division of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - P L Roubertoux
- Aix Marseille Université, GMGF, Inserm, UMR_S 910, 13385, Marseille, France
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25
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Krasileva KE, Sanders SJ, Bal VH. Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test: Proxy for Verbal IQ in Genetic Studies of Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1073-1085. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3030-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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26
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Lew CH, Brown C, Bellugi U, Semendeferi K. Neuron density is decreased in the prefrontal cortex in Williams syndrome. Autism Res 2016; 10:99-112. [PMID: 27520580 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Williams Syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with a hemideletion in chromosome 7, which manifests a distinct behavioral phenotype characterized by a hyperaffiliative social drive, in striking contrast to the social avoidance behaviors that are common in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). MRI studies have observed structural and functional abnormalities in WS cortex, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC), a region implicated in social cognition. This study utilizes the Bellugi Williams Syndrome Brain Collection, a unique resource that comprises the largest WS postmortem brain collection in existence, and is the first to quantitatively examine WS PFC cytoarchitecture. We measured neuron density in layers II/III and V/VI of five cortical areas: PFC areas BA 10 and BA 11, primary motor BA 4, primary somatosensory BA 3, and visual area BA 18 in six matched pairs of WS and typically developing (TD) controls. Neuron density in PFC was lower in WS relative to TD, with layers V/VI demonstrating the largest decrease in density, reaching statistical significance in BA 10. In contrast, BA 3 and BA 18 demonstrated a higher density in WS compared to TD, although this difference was not statistically significant. Neuron density in BA 4 was similar in WS and TD. While other cortical areas were altered in WS, prefrontal areas appeared to be most affected. Neuron density is also altered in the PFC of individuals with ASD. Together these findings suggest that the PFC is targeted in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with sociobehavioral alterations. Autism Res 2017, 10: 99-112. © 2016 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Horton Lew
- Department of Anthropology, Social Sciences Building Rm. 210, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093
| | - Chelsea Brown
- Department of Anthropology, Social Sciences Building Rm. 210, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093.,Graduate Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Building 251, University of California, Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, CA, 93106
| | - Ursula Bellugi
- Laboratory for Cognitive Neuroscience, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, 10010 N, Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037
| | - Katerina Semendeferi
- Department of Anthropology, Social Sciences Building Rm. 210, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093
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Abstract
Williams syndrome is a genetic neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by an uncommon hypersociability and a mosaic of retained and compromised linguistic and cognitive abilities. Nearly all clinically diagnosed individuals with Williams syndrome lack precisely the same set of genes, with breakpoints in chromosome band 7q11.23 (refs 1-5). The contribution of specific genes to the neuroanatomical and functional alterations, leading to behavioural pathologies in humans, remains largely unexplored. Here we investigate neural progenitor cells and cortical neurons derived from Williams syndrome and typically developing induced pluripotent stem cells. Neural progenitor cells in Williams syndrome have an increased doubling time and apoptosis compared with typically developing neural progenitor cells. Using an individual with atypical Williams syndrome, we narrowed this cellular phenotype to a single gene candidate, frizzled 9 (FZD9). At the neuronal stage, layer V/VI cortical neurons derived from Williams syndrome were characterized by longer total dendrites, increased numbers of spines and synapses, aberrant calcium oscillation and altered network connectivity. Morphometric alterations observed in neurons from Williams syndrome were validated after Golgi staining of post-mortem layer V/VI cortical neurons. This model of human induced pluripotent stem cells fills the current knowledge gap in the cellular biology of Williams syndrome and could lead to further insights into the molecular mechanism underlying the disorder and the human social brain.
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28
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Barak B, Feng G. Neurobiology of social behavior abnormalities in autism and Williams syndrome. Nat Neurosci 2016; 19:647-655. [PMID: 29323671 PMCID: PMC4896837 DOI: 10.1038/nn.4276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social behavior is a basic behavior mediated by multiple brain regions and neural circuits, and is crucial for the survival and development of animals and humans. Two neuropsychiatric disorders that have prominent social behavior abnormalities are autism spectrum disorders (ASD), which is characterized mainly by hyposociability, and Williams syndrome (WS), whose subjects exhibit hypersociability. Here we review the unique properties of social behavior in ASD and WS, and discuss the major theories in social behavior in the context of these disorders. We conclude with a discussion of the research questions needing further exploration to enhance our understanding of social behavior abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boaz Barak
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain &Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Guoping Feng
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Brain &Cognitive Sciences, MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
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29
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Array CGH - A Powerful Tool in Molecular Diagnostic of Pathogenic Microdeletions - Williams-Beuren Syndrome - A Case Report. CURRENT HEALTH SCIENCES JOURNAL 2016; 42:207-212. [PMID: 30568834 PMCID: PMC6256167 DOI: 10.12865/chsj.42.02.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT: Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) (OMIM 194050) is caused by interstitial deletions or duplications of the 7q11.23 chromosomal region and characterised through a complex phenotype. We described a case diagnosed clinically and genetically confirmed through aCGH. Genetic assessment identified three microdeletions with a total size of 1.35 Mb located at 7q11.23. The deleted regions encompasses more than 30 genes including several protein coding genes such as ELN, LIMK1, FZDS, WBSCR22, WBSCR27, WBSCR28, STX1A, CLDN3, CLDN4, LAT2, ABHD11 or EIF4H .
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30
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Liu Y, Li Y, March ME, Nguyen K, Kenny N, Xu K, Wang F, Guo Y, Keating B, Glessner J, Li J, Ganley TJ, Zhang J, Deardorff MA, Xu X, Hakonarson H. Copy number variation in CEP57L1 predisposes to congenital absence of bilateral ACL and PCL ligaments. Hum Genomics 2015; 9:31. [PMID: 26561035 PMCID: PMC4642759 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-015-0053-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Absence of the anterior (ACL) or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) are rare congenital malformations that result in knee joint instability, with a prevalence of 1.7 per 100,000 live births and can be associated with other lower-limb abnormalities such as ACL agnesia and absence of the menisci of the knee. While a few cases of absence of ACL/PCL are reported in the literature, a number of large familial case series of related conditions such as ACL agnesia suggest a potential underlying monogenic etiology. We performed whole exome sequencing of a family with two individuals affected by ACL/PCL. Results We identified copy number variation (CNV) deletion impacting the exon sequences of CEP57L1, present in the affected mother and her affected daughter based on the exome sequencing data. The deletion was validated using quantitative PCR (qPCR), and the gene was confirmed to be expressed in ACL ligament tissue. Interestingly, we detected reduced expression of CEP57L1 in Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) cells from the two patients in comparison with healthy controls. Evaluation of 3D protein structure showed that the helix-binding sites of the protein remain intact with the deletion, but other functional binding sites related to microtubule attachment are missing. The specificity of the CNV deletion was confirmed by showing that it was absent in ~700 exome sequencing samples as well as in the database of genomic variations (DGV), a database containing large numbers of annotated CNVs from previous scientific reports. Conclusions We identified a novel CNV deletion that was inherited through an autosomal dominant transmission from an affected mother to her affected daughter, both of whom suffered from the absence of the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments of the knees. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40246-015-0053-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichuan Liu
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Yun Li
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Michael E March
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | | | - Nguyen Kenny
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Kexiang Xu
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Fengxiang Wang
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Yiran Guo
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Brendan Keating
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Joseph Glessner
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Jiankang Li
- Beijing Genomics Institute, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Theodore J Ganley
- Center for Sports Medicine and Performance, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | - Matthew A Deardorff
- Individualized Medical Genetics Center, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Xun Xu
- Beijing Genomics Institute, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 1014H, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Abramson Building, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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31
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De novo variants in sporadic cases of childhood onset schizophrenia. Eur J Hum Genet 2015; 24:944-8. [PMID: 26508570 PMCID: PMC4867457 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2015.218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 08/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS), defined by the onset of illness before age 13 years, is a rare severe neurodevelopmental disorder of unknown etiology. Recently, sequencing studies have identified rare, potentially causative de novo variants in sporadic cases of adult-onset schizophrenia and autism. In this study, we performed exome sequencing of 17 COS trios in order to test whether de novo variants could contribute to this disease. We identified 20 de novo variants in 17 COS probands, which is consistent with the de novo mutation rate reported in the adult form of the disease. Interestingly, the missense de novo variants in COS have a high likelihood for pathogenicity and were enriched for genes that are less tolerant to variants. Among the genes found disrupted in our study, SEZ6, RYR2, GPR153, GTF2IRD1, TTBK1 and ITGA6 have been previously linked to neuronal function or to psychiatric disorders, and thus may be considered as COS candidate genes.
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32
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Dutra RL, Piazzon FB, Zanardo ÉA, Costa TVMM, Montenegro MM, Novo-Filho GM, Dias AT, Nascimento AM, Kim CA, Kulikowski LD. Rare genomic rearrangement in a boy with Williams-Beuren syndrome associated to XYY syndrome and intriguing behavior. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 167A:3197-203. [PMID: 26420477 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is caused by a hemizygous contiguous gene microdeletion of 1.55-1.84 Mb at 7q11.23 region. Approximately, 28 genes have been shown to contribute to classical phenotype of SWB with presence of dysmorphic facial features, supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), intellectual disability, and overfriendliness. With the use of Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization and other molecular cytogenetic techniques, is possible define with more accuracy partial or atypical deletion and refine the genotype-phenotype correlation. Here, we report on a rare genomic structural rearrangement in a boy with atypical deletion in 7q11.23 and XYY syndrome with characteristic clinical signs, but not sufficient for the diagnosis of WBS. Cytogenetic analysis of G-banding showed a karyotype 47,XYY. Analysis of DNA with the technique of MLPA (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification) using kits a combination of kits (P064, P036, P070, and P029) identified an atypical deletion on 7q11.23. In addition, high resolution SNP Oligonucleotide Microarray Analysis (SNP-array) confirmed the alterations found by MLPA and revealed others pathogenic CNVs, in the chromosomes 7 and X. The present report demonstrates an association not yet described in literature, between Williams-Beuren syndrome and 47,XYY. The identification of atypical deletion in 7q11.23 concomitant to additional pathogenic CNVs in others genomic regions allows a better comprehension of clinical consequences of atypical genomic rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Dutra
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flavia B Piazzon
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Évelin A Zanardo
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marília M Montenegro
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gil M Novo-Filho
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T Dias
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amom M Nascimento
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leslie D Kulikowski
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Collective Health - Human Reproduction and Genetics Center, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
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Borralleras C, Sahun I, Pérez-Jurado LA, Campuzano V. Intracisternal Gtf2i Gene Therapy Ameliorates Deficits in Cognition and Synaptic Plasticity of a Mouse Model of Williams-Beuren Syndrome. Mol Ther 2015. [PMID: 26216516 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2015.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a heterozygous deletion of 26-28 genes at chromosome band 7q11.23. Haploinsufficiency at GTF2I has been shown to play a major role in the neurobehavioral phenotype. By characterizing the neuronal architecture in four animal models with intragenic, partial, and complete deletions of the WBS critical interval (ΔGtf2i(+/-), ΔGtf2i( -/-), PD, and CD), we clarify the involvement of Gtf2i in neurocognitive features. All mutant mice showed hypersociability, impaired motor learning and coordination, and altered anxiety-like behavior. Dendritic length was decreased in the CA1 of ΔGtf2i(+/-), ΔGtf2i ( -/-), and CD mice. Spine density was reduced, and spines were shorter in ΔGtf2i ( -/-), PD, and CD mice. Overexpression of Pik3r1 and downregulation of Bdnf were observed in ΔGtf2i(+/-), PD, and CD mice. Intracisternal Gtf2i-gene therapy in CD mice using adeno-associated virus resulted in increased mGtf2i expression and normalization of Bdnf levels, along with beneficial effects in motor coordination, sociability, and anxiety, despite no significant changes in neuronal architecture. Our findings further indicate that Gtf2i haploinsufficiency plays an important role in the neurodevelopmental and cognitive abnormalities of WBS and that it is possible to rescue part of this neurocognitive phenotype by restoring Gtf2i expression levels in specific brain areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Borralleras
- Neurosciences Program, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Unitat de Genètica, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain
| | - Ignasi Sahun
- PCB-PRBB Animal Facility Alliance, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Luis A Pérez-Jurado
- Neurosciences Program, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Unitat de Genètica, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain
| | - Victoria Campuzano
- Neurosciences Program, Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM), Unitat de Genètica, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), ISCIII, Spain.
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Application of Whole Exome Sequencing in Six Families with an Initial Diagnosis of Autosomal Dominant Retinitis Pigmentosa: Lessons Learned. PLoS One 2015. [PMID: 26197217 PMCID: PMC4509755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the genetics underlying dominant forms of inherited retinal dystrophies using whole exome sequencing (WES) in six families extensively screened for known mutations or genes. Thirty-eight individuals were subjected to WES. Causative variants were searched among single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertion/deletion variants (indels) and whenever no potential candidate emerged, copy number variant (CNV) analysis was performed. Variants or regions harboring a candidate variant were prioritized and segregation of the variant with the disease was further assessed using Sanger sequencing in case of SNVs and indels, and quantitative PCR (qPCR) for CNVs. SNV and indel analysis led to the identification of a previously reported mutation in PRPH2. Two additional mutations linked to different forms of retinal dystrophies were identified in two families: a known frameshift deletion in RPGR, a gene responsible for X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and p.Ser163Arg in C1QTNF5 associated with Late-Onset Retinal Degeneration. A novel heterozygous deletion spanning the entire region of PRPF31 was also identified in the affected members of a fourth family, which was confirmed with qPCR. This study allowed the identification of the genetic cause of the retinal dystrophy and the establishment of a correct diagnosis in four families, including a large heterozygous deletion in PRPF31, typically considered one of the pitfalls of this method. Since all findings in this study are restricted to known genes, we propose that targeted sequencing using gene-panel is an optimal first approach for the genetic screening and that once known genetic causes are ruled out, WES might be used to uncover new genes involved in inherited retinal dystrophies.
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35
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Iyer J, Girirajan S. Gene discovery and functional assessment of rare copy-number variants in neurodevelopmental disorders. Brief Funct Genomics 2015; 14:315-28. [DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elv018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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36
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Rosa CD, Cieri F, Antonucci I, Stuppia L, Gatta V. Music in DNA: From Williams Syndrome to Musical Genes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.4236/ojgen.2015.51002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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37
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7q11.23 dosage-dependent dysregulation in human pluripotent stem cells affects transcriptional programs in disease-relevant lineages. Nat Genet 2014; 47:132-41. [PMID: 25501393 DOI: 10.1038/ng.3169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell reprogramming promises to make characterization of the impact of human genetic variation on health and disease experimentally tractable by enabling the bridging of genotypes to phenotypes in developmentally relevant human cell lineages. Here we apply this paradigm to two disorders caused by symmetrical copy number variations of 7q11.23, which display a striking combination of shared and symmetrically opposite phenotypes--Williams-Beuren syndrome and 7q-microduplication syndrome. Through analysis of transgene-free patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated derivatives, we find that 7q11.23 dosage imbalance disrupts transcriptional circuits in disease-relevant pathways beginning in the pluripotent state. These alterations are then selectively amplified upon differentiation of the pluripotent cells into disease-relevant lineages. A considerable proportion of this transcriptional dysregulation is specifically caused by dosage imbalances in GTF2I, which encodes a key transcription factor at 7q11.23 that is associated with the LSD1 repressive chromatin complex and silences its dosage-sensitive targets.
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Mapping genetically controlled neural circuits of social behavior and visuo-motor integration by a preliminary examination of atypical deletions with Williams syndrome. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104088. [PMID: 25105779 PMCID: PMC4126723 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study of eight rare atypical deletion cases with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WS; also known as 7q11.23 deletion syndrome) consisting of three different patterns of deletions, compared to typical WS and typically developing (TD) individuals, we show preliminary evidence of dissociable genetic contributions to brain structure and human cognition. Univariate and multivariate pattern classification results of morphometric brain patterns complemented by behavior implicate a possible role for the chromosomal region that includes: 1) GTF2I/GTF2IRD1 in visuo-spatial/motor integration, intraparietal as well as overall gray matter structures, 2) the region spanning ABHD11 through RFC2 including LIMK1, in social cognition, in particular approachability, as well as orbitofrontal, amygdala and fusiform anatomy, and 3) the regions including STX1A, and/or CYLN2 in overall white matter structure. This knowledge contributes to our understanding of the role of genetics on human brain structure, cognition and pathophysiology of altered cognition in WS. The current study builds on ongoing research designed to characterize the impact of multiple genes, gene-gene interactions and changes in gene expression on the human brain.
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Tordjman S, Somogyi E, Coulon N, Kermarrec S, Cohen D, Bronsard G, Bonnot O, Weismann-Arcache C, Botbol M, Lauth B, Ginchat V, Roubertoux P, Barburoth M, Kovess V, Geoffray MM, Xavier J. Gene × Environment interactions in autism spectrum disorders: role of epigenetic mechanisms. Front Psychiatry 2014; 5:53. [PMID: 25136320 PMCID: PMC4120683 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Several studies support currently the hypothesis that autism etiology is based on a polygenic and epistatic model. However, despite advances in epidemiological, molecular and clinical genetics, the genetic risk factors remain difficult to identify, with the exception of a few chromosomal disorders and several single gene disorders associated with an increased risk for autism. Furthermore, several studies suggest a role of environmental factors in autism spectrum disorders (ASD). First, arguments for a genetic contribution to autism, based on updated family and twin studies, are examined. Second, a review of possible prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal environmental risk factors for ASD are presented. Then, the hypotheses are discussed concerning the underlying mechanisms related to a role of environmental factors in the development of ASD in association with genetic factors. In particular, epigenetics as a candidate biological mechanism for gene × environment interactions is considered and the possible role of epigenetic mechanisms reported in genetic disorders associated with ASD is discussed. Furthermore, the example of in utero exposure to valproate provides a good illustration of epigenetic mechanisms involved in ASD and innovative therapeutic strategies. Epigenetic remodeling by environmental factors opens new perspectives for a better understanding, prevention, and early therapeutic intervention of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Tordjman
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1, Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Rennes, France
| | - Eszter Somogyi
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Coulon
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - Solenn Kermarrec
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
- Pôle Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Université de Rennes 1, Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Régnier, Rennes, France
| | - David Cohen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Bronsard
- Laboratoire de Santé Publique (EA3279), School of Medicine of La Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Bonnot
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - Catherine Weismann-Arcache
- Laboratoire Psychologie et Neurosciences de la Cognition et de l’Affectivité, Université de Rouen, Mont Saint Aignan, France
| | - Michel Botbol
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
- Service Hospitalo-Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Université de Bretagne Occidentale, CHU de Brest, Brest, France
| | - Bertrand Lauth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Landspitali University Hospital, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Vincent Ginchat
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Roubertoux
- Laboratoire de Génétique Médicale, Génomique Fonctionnelle, INSERM U 910, Université d’Aix-Marseille 2, Marseille, France
| | - Marianne Barburoth
- Laboratoire Psychologie de la Perception, Université Paris Descartes, CNRS UMR 8158, Paris, France
| | - Viviane Kovess
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, EHESP School for Public Health, EA 4057 University Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Maude Geoffray
- Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent Hospitalier Le Vinatier, Bron, France
| | - Jean Xavier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, AP-HP, GH Pitié-Salpétrière, CNRS FRE 2987, University Pierre and Marie Curie, Paris, France
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Tordjman S, Anderson GM, Cohen D, Kermarrec S, Carlier M, Touitou Y, Saugier-Veber P, Lagneaux C, Chevreuil C, Verloes A. Presence of autism, hyperserotonemia, and severe expressive language impairment in Williams-Beuren syndrome. Mol Autism 2013; 4:29. [PMID: 23972161 PMCID: PMC3765460 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-4-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deletion of the Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) critical region (WBSCR), at 7q11.23, causes a developmental disorder commonly characterized by hypersociability and excessive talkativeness and often considered the opposite behavioral phenotype to autism. Duplication of the WBSCR leads to severe delay in expressive language. Gene-dosage effects on language development at 7q11.23 have been hypothesized. METHODS Molecular characterization of the WBSCR was performed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and high-resolution single-nucleotide polymorphism array in two individuals with severe autism enrolled in a genetic study of autism who showed typical WBS facial dysmorphism on systematic clinical genetic examination. The serotonin transporter promoter polymorphism (5-HTTLPR, locus SLC6A4) was genotyped. Platelet serotonin levels and urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretion were measured. Behavioral and cognitive phenotypes were examined. RESULTS The two patients had common WBSCR deletions between proximal and medial low copy repeat clusters, met diagnostic criteria for autism and displayed severe impairment in communication, including a total absence of expressive speech. Both patients carried the 5-HTTLPR ss genotype and exhibited platelet hyperserotonemia and low melatonin production. CONCLUSIONS Our observations indicate that behaviors and neurochemical phenotypes typically associated with autism can occur in patients with common WBSCR deletions. The results raise intriguing questions about phenotypic heterogeneity in WBS and regarding genetic and/or environmental factors interacting with specific genes at 7q11.23 sensitive to dosage alterations that can influence the development of social communication skills. Thus, the influence of WBSCR genes on social communication expression might be dramatically modified by other genes, such as 5-HTTLPR, known to influence the severity of social communication impairments in autism, or by environmental factors, such as hyperserotonemia, given that hyperserotonemia is found in WBS associated with autism but not in WBS without autism. In this regard, WBS provides a potentially fruitful model with which to develop integrated genetic, cognitive, behavioral and neurochemical approaches to study genotype-phenotype correlations, possible gene-environment interactions and genetic background effects. The results underscore the importance of considering careful clinical and molecular genetic examination of individuals diagnosed with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Tordjman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Regnier and Medical School of the University of Rennes 1, Rennes 35000, France
- Laboratoire de la Psychologie de la Perception, CNRS UMR 8158, Centre Biomédical des Saints Pères, 75006 Paris, France
| | - George M Anderson
- The Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven CT 06511, USA
| | - David Cohen
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie and CNRS UMR 7222, Paris, France
| | - Solenn Kermarrec
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Regnier and Medical School of the University of Rennes 1, Rennes 35000, France
| | - Michèle Carlier
- Laboratoire de Psychologie Cognitive, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS UMR 7290, Marseille, France
| | - Yvan Touitou
- Chronobiology Unit, Rothschild Foundation, Paris, France
| | | | - Céline Lagneaux
- Department of Genetics, AP-HP-Robert Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Claire Chevreuil
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Centre Hospitalier Guillaume Regnier and Medical School of the University of Rennes 1, Rennes 35000, France
| | - Alain Verloes
- Department of Genetics, AP-HP-Robert Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
- INSERM U676, AP-HP-Robert Debré University Hospital, Paris, France
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Smaller and larger deletions of the Williams Beuren syndrome region implicate genes involved in mild facial phenotype, epilepsy and autistic traits. Eur J Hum Genet 2013; 22:64-70. [PMID: 23756441 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2013.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystemic disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion of 1.5 Mb on chromosome 7q11.23 spanning 28 genes. A few patients with larger and smaller WBS deletion have been reported. They show clinical features that vary between isolated SVAS to the full spectrum of WBS phenotype, associated with epilepsy or autism spectrum behavior. Here we describe four patients with atypical WBS 7q11.23 deletions. Two carry ~3.5 Mb larger deletion towards the telomere that includes Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxigenase activation protein gamma (YWHAG) genes. Other two carry a shorter deletion of ~1.2 Mb at centromeric side that excludes the distal WBS genes BAZ1B and FZD9. Along with previously reported cases, genotype-phenotype correlation in the patients described here further suggests that haploinsufficiency of HIP1 and YWHAG might cause the severe neurological and neuropsychological deficits including epilepsy and autistic traits, and that the preservation of BAZ1B and FZD9 genes may be related to mild facial features and moderate neuropsychological deficits. This report highlights the importance to characterize additional patients with 7q11.23 atypical deletions comparing neuropsychological and clinical features between these individuals to shed light on the pathogenic role of genes within and flanking the WBS region.
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Ji HL, Zhao RZ, Chen ZX, Shetty S, Idell S, Matalon S. δ ENaC: a novel divergent amiloride-inhibitable sodium channel. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2012; 303:L1013-26. [PMID: 22983350 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00206.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The fourth subunit of the epithelial sodium channel, termed delta subunit (δ ENaC), was cloned in human and monkey. Increasing evidence shows that this unique subunit and its splice variants exhibit biophysical and pharmacological properties that are divergent from those of α ENaC channels. The widespread distribution of epithelial sodium channels in both epithelial and nonepithelial tissues implies a range of physiological functions. The altered expression of SCNN1D is associated with numerous pathological conditions. Genetic studies link SCNN1D deficiency with rare genetic diseases with developmental and functional disorders in the brain, heart, and respiratory systems. Here, we review the progress of research on δ ENaC in genomics, biophysics, proteomics, physiology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Long Ji
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler, Tyler, Texas, USA.
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Atypical deletion in Williams-Beuren syndrome critical region detected by MLPA in a patient with supravalvular aortic stenosis and learning difficulty. J Genet Genomics 2012; 39:571-4. [PMID: 23089367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Vandeweyer G, Van der Aa N, Reyniers E, Kooy RF. The contribution of CLIP2 haploinsufficiency to the clinical manifestations of the Williams-Beuren syndrome. Am J Hum Genet 2012; 90:1071-8. [PMID: 22608712 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2011] [Revised: 03/16/2012] [Accepted: 04/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome is a rare contiguous gene syndrome, characterized by intellectual disability, facial dysmorphisms, connective-tissue abnormalities, cardiac defects, structural brain abnormalities, and transient infantile hypercalcemia. Genes lying telomeric to RFC2, including CLIP2, GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, are currently thought to be the most likely major contributors to the typical Williams syndrome cognitive profile, characterized by a better-than-expected auditory rote-memory ability, a relative sparing of language capabilities, and a severe visual-spatial constructive impairment. Atypical deletions in the region have helped to establish genotype-phenotype correlations. So far, however, hardly any deletions affecting only a single gene in the disease region have been described. We present here two healthy siblings with a pure, hemizygous deletion of CLIP2. A putative role in the cognitive and behavioral abnormalities seen in Williams-Beuren patients has been suggested for this gene on the basis of observations in a knock-out mouse model. The presented siblings did not show any of the clinical features associated with the syndrome. Cognitive testing showed an average IQ for both and no indication of the Williams syndrome cognitive profile. This shows that CLIP2 haploinsufficiency by itself does not lead to the physical or cognitive characteristics of the Williams-Beuren syndrome, nor does it lead to the Williams syndrome cognitive profile. Although contribution of CLIP2 to the phenotype cannot be excluded when it is deleted in combination with other genes, our results support the hypothesis that GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I are the main genes causing the cognitive defects associated with Williams-Beuren syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geert Vandeweyer
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
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Tordjman S, Anderson GM, Botbol M, Toutain A, Sarda P, Carlier M, Saugier-Veber P, Baumann C, Cohen D, Lagneaux C, Tabet AC, Verloes A. Autistic disorder in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome: a reconsideration of the Williams-Beuren syndrome phenotype. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30778. [PMID: 22412832 PMCID: PMC3295800 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2011] [Accepted: 12/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS), a rare developmental disorder caused by deletion of contiguous genes at 7q11.23, has been characterized by strengths in socialization (overfriendliness) and communication (excessive talkativeness). WBS has been often considered as the polar opposite behavioral phenotype to autism. Our objective was to better understand the range of phenotypic expression in WBS and the relationship between WBS and autistic disorder. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted on 9 French individuals aged from 4 to 37 years old with autistic disorder associated with WBS. Behavioral assessments were performed using Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) scales. Molecular characterization of the WBS critical region was performed by FISH. FINDINGS FISH analysis indicated that all 9 patients displayed the common WBS deletion. All 9 patients met ADI-R and ADOS diagnostic criteria for autism, displaying stereotypies and severe impairments in social interaction and communication (including the absence of expressive language). Additionally, patients showed improvement in social communication over time. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that comorbid autism and WBS is more frequent than expected and suggest that the common WBS deletion can result in a continuum of social communication impairment, ranging from excessive talkativeness and overfriendliness to absence of verbal language and poor social relationships. Appreciation of the possible co-occurrence of WBS and autism challenges the common view that WBS represents the opposite behavioral phenotype of autism, and might lead to improved recognition of WBS in individuals diagnosed with autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Tordjman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Guillaume Regnier Hospital, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France.
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Mutation of Gtf2ird1 from the Williams-Beuren syndrome critical region results in facial dysplasia, motor dysfunction, and altered vocalisations. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 45:913-22. [PMID: 22198572 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficiency of the transcriptional regulator GTF2IRD1 has become a strong potential explanation for some of the major characteristic features of the neurodevelopmental disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). Genotype/phenotype correlations in humans indicate that the hemizygous loss of the GTF2IRD1 gene and an adjacent paralogue, GTF2I, play crucial roles in the neurocognitive and craniofacial aspects of the disease. In order to explore this genetic relationship in greater detail, we have generated a targeted Gtf2ird1 mutation in mice that blocks normal GTF2IRD1 protein production. Detailed analyses of homozygous null Gtf2ird1 mice have revealed a series of phenotypes that share some intriguing parallels with WBS. These include reduced body weight, a facial deformity resulting from localised epidermal hyperplasia, a motor coordination deficit, alterations in exploratory activity and, in response to specific stress-inducing stimuli; a novel audible vocalisation and increased serum corticosterone. Analysis of Gtf2ird1 expression patterns in the brain using a knock-in LacZ reporter and c-fos activity mapping illustrates the regions where these neurological abnormalities may originate. These data provide new mechanistic insight into the clinical genetic findings in WBS patients and indicate that insufficiency of GTF2IRD1 protein contributes to abnormalities of facial development, motor function and specific behavioural disorders that accompany this disease.
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Malenfant P, Liu X, Hudson ML, Qiao Y, Hrynchak M, Riendeau N, Hildebrand MJ, Cohen IL, Chudley AE, Forster-Gibson C, Mickelson ECR, Rajcan-Separovic E, Lewis MES, Holden JJA. Association of GTF2i in the Williams-Beuren Syndrome Critical Region with Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2011; 42:1459-69. [DOI: 10.1007/s10803-011-1389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Roy AL. Biochemistry and biology of the inducible multifunctional transcription factor TFII-I: 10 years later. Gene 2011; 492:32-41. [PMID: 22037610 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2011.10.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Revised: 10/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exactly twenty years ago TFII-I was discovered as a biochemical entity that was able to bind to and function via a core promoter element called the Initiator (Inr). Since then several different properties of this signal-induced multifunctional factor were discovered. Here I update these ever expanding functions of TFII-I--focusing primarily on the last ten years since the first review appeared in this journal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ananda L Roy
- Department of Pathology, Sackler School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, 150 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111, USA.
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Henrichsen CN, Csárdi G, Zabot MT, Fusco C, Bergmann S, Merla G, Reymond A. Using transcription modules to identify expression clusters perturbed in Williams-Beuren syndrome. PLoS Comput Biol 2011; 7:e1001054. [PMID: 21304579 PMCID: PMC3024257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic dissection of the phenotypes associated with Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) is advancing thanks to the study of individuals carrying typical or atypical structural rearrangements, as well as in vitro and animal studies. However, little is known about the global dysregulations caused by the WBS deletion. We profiled the transcriptomes of skin fibroblasts from WBS patients and compared them to matched controls. We identified 868 differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix genes, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, as well as genes in which the products localize to the postsynaptic membrane. We then used public expression datasets from human fibroblasts to establish transcription modules, sets of genes coexpressed in this cell type. We identified those sets in which the average gene expression was altered in WBS samples. Dysregulated modules are often interconnected and share multiple common genes, suggesting that intricate regulatory networks connected by a few central genes are disturbed in WBS. This modular approach increases the power to identify pathways dysregulated in WBS patients, thus providing a testable set of additional candidates for genes and their interactions that modulate the WBS phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gábor Csárdi
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Thérèse Zabot
- Centre de Biotechnologie Cellulaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Bron, France
| | - Carmela Fusco
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, IRCCS- Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Sven Bergmann
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (AR); (GM); (SB)
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, IRCCS- Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- * E-mail: (AR); (GM); (SB)
| | - Alexandre Reymond
- The Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (AR); (GM); (SB)
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Dutra RL, Pieri PDC, Teixeira ACD, Honjo RS, Bertola DR, Kim CA. Detection of deletions at 7q11.23 in Williams-Beuren syndrome by polymorphic markers. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2011; 66:959-64. [PMID: 21808859 PMCID: PMC3129970 DOI: 10.1590/s1807-59322011000600007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS; OMIM 194050) is caused by a hemizygous contiguous gene microdeletion at 7q11.23. Supravalvular aortic stenosis, mental retardation, overfriendliness, and ocular and renal abnormalities comprise typical symptoms in WBS. Although fluorescence in situ hybridization is widely used for diagnostic confirmation, microsatellite DNA markers are considered highly informative and easily manageable. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to test the microsatellite markers for the diagnosis of Williams-Beuren syndrome, to determine the size and parental origin of microdeletion, compare the clinical characteristics between patients with different sizes of the deletion and parental origin. METHODS We studied 97 patients with clinical diagnosis of Williams-Beuren syndrome using five microsatellite markers: D7S1870, D7S489, D7S613, D7S2476 and D7S489_A. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Using five markers together, the result was informative in all patients. The most informative marker was D7S1870 (78.4%), followed by D7S613 (75.3%), D7S489 (70.1%) and D7S2476 (62.9%). The microdeletion was present in 84 (86.6%) patients and absent in 13 (13.4%) patients. Maternal deletions were found in 52.4% of patients and paternal deletions in 47.6% of patients. The observed size of deletions was 1.55 Mb in 76/ 84 patients (90.5%) and 1.84 Mb in 8/84 patients (9.5%). SVAS as well as ocular and urinary abnormalities were more frequent in the patients with a deletion. There were no clinical differences in relation to either the size or parental origin of the deletion. CONCLUSION Using these five selected microsatellite markers was informative in all patients, thus can be considered an alternative method for molecular diagnosis in Williams-Beuren syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Lelis Dutra
- Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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