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Roy B, Amemasor E, Hussain S, Castro K. UBE3A: The Role in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and a Potential Candidate for Biomarker Studies and Designing Therapeutic Strategies. Diseases 2023; 12:7. [PMID: 38248358 PMCID: PMC10814747 DOI: 10.3390/diseases12010007] [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: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Published reports from the CDC's Autism and Development Disabilities Monitoring Networks have shown that an average of 1 in every 44 (2.3%) 8-year-old children were estimated to have ASD in 2018. Many of the ASDs exhibiting varying degrees of autism-like phenotypes have chromosomal anomalies in the Chr15q11-q13 region. Numerous potential candidate genes linked with ASD reside in this chromosomal segment. However, several clinical, in vivo, and in vitro studies selected one gene more frequently than others randomly and unbiasedly. This gene codes for UBE3A or Ubiquitin protein ligase E3A [also known as E6AP ubiquitin-protein ligase (E6AP)], an enzyme involved in the cellular degradation of proteins. This gene has been listed as one of the several genes with a high potential of causing ASD in the Autism Database. The gain of function mutations, triplication, or duplication in the UBE3A gene is also associated with ASDs like Angelman Syndrome (AS) and Dup15q Syndrome. The genetic imprinting of UBE3A in the brain and a preference for neuronal maternal-specific expression are the key features of various ASDs. Since the UBE3A gene is involved in two main important diseases associated with autism-like symptoms, there has been widespread research going on in understanding the link between this gene and autism. Additionally, since no universal methodology or mechanism exists for identifying UBE3A-mediated ASD, it continues to be challenging for neurobiologists, neuroscientists, and clinicians to design therapies or diagnostic tools. In this review, we focus on the structure and functional aspects of the UBE3A protein, discuss the primary relevance of the 15q11-q13 region in the cause of ASDs, and highlight the link between UBE3A and ASD. We try to broaden the knowledge of our readers by elaborating on the possible mechanisms underlying UBE3A-mediated ASDs, emphasizing the usage of UBE3A as a prospective biomarker in the preclinical diagnosis of ASDs and discuss the positive outcomes, advanced developments, and the hurdles in the field of therapeutic strategies against UBE3A-mediated ASDs. This review is novel as it lays a very detailed and comprehensive platform for one of the most important genes associated with diseases showing autistic-like symptoms. Additionally, this review also attempts to lay optimistic feedback on the possible steps for the diagnosis, prevention, and therapy of these UBE3A-mediated ASDs in the upcoming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Roy
- Life Science Centre, Department of Biological Sciences, Rutgers University-Newark, Newark, NJ 07102, USA; (E.A.); (S.H.); (K.C.)
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Paparella A, L’Abbate A, Palmisano D, Chirico G, Porubsky D, Catacchio CR, Ventura M, Eichler EE, Maggiolini FAM, Antonacci F. Structural Variation Evolution at the 15q11-q13 Disease-Associated Locus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15818. [PMID: 37958807 PMCID: PMC10648317 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The impact of segmental duplications on human evolution and disease is only just starting to unfold, thanks to advancements in sequencing technologies that allow for their discovery and precise genotyping. The 15q11-q13 locus is a hotspot of recurrent copy number variation associated with Prader-Willi/Angelman syndromes, developmental delay, autism, and epilepsy and is mediated by complex segmental duplications, many of which arose recently during evolution. To gain insight into the instability of this region, we characterized its architecture in human and nonhuman primates, reconstructing the evolutionary history of five different inversions that rearranged the region in different species primarily by accumulation of segmental duplications. Comparative analysis of human and nonhuman primate duplication structures suggests a human-specific gain of directly oriented duplications in the regions flanking the GOLGA cores and HERC segmental duplications, representing potential genomic drivers for the human-specific expansions. The increasing complexity of segmental duplication organization over the course of evolution underlies its association with human susceptibility to recurrent disease-associated rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Paparella
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Alberto L’Abbate
- Institute of Biomembranes, Bioenergetics, and Molecular Biotechnology (IBIOM), 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Donato Palmisano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Gerardina Chirico
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - David Porubsky
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Claudia R. Catacchio
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Mario Ventura
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Evan E. Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI), University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Flavia A. M. Maggiolini
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
- Research Centre for Viticulture and Enology, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), 70010 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Antonacci
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnology and Environment, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70125 Bari, Italy
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Ferraguti G, Terracina S, Micangeli G, Lucarelli M, Tarani L, Ceccanti M, Spaziani M, D'Orazi V, Petrella C, Fiore M. NGF and BDNF in pediatrics syndromes. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 145:105015. [PMID: 36563920 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.105015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophins (NTs) as nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) play multiple roles in different settings including neuronal development, function and survival in both the peripheral and the central nervous systems from early stages. This report aims to provide a summary and subsequent review of evidences on the role of NTs in rare and non-common pediatric human diseases associated with changes in neurodevelopment. A variety of diseases has been analyzed and many have been linked to NTs neurobiological effects, including chronic granulomatous disease, hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Bardet-Biedl syndrome, Angelman syndrome, fragile X syndrome, trisomy 16, Williams-Beuren syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, WAGR syndrome, fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, Down syndrome and Klinefelter Syndrome. NTs alterations have been associated with numerous pathologic manifestations including cognitive defects, behavioral abnormalities, epilepsy, obesity, tumorigenesis as well as muscle-skeletal, immunity, bowel, pain sensibility and cilia diseases. In this report, we discuss that further studies are needed to clear a possible therapeutic role of NTs in these still often uncurable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Micangeli
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Ceccanti
- SITAC, Società Italiana per il Trattamento dell'Alcolismo e le sue Complicanze, Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Spaziani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio D'Orazi
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy.
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy.
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Ryan NM, Heron EA. Evidence for parent-of-origin effects in autism spectrum disorder: a narrative review. J Appl Genet 2023; 64:303-317. [PMID: 36710277 PMCID: PMC10076404 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-022-00742-8] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous group of early-onset neurodevelopmental disorders known to be highly heritable with a complex genetic architecture. Abnormal brain developmental trajectories that impact synaptic functioning, excitation-inhibition balance and brain connectivity are now understood to play a central role in ASD. Ongoing efforts to identify the genetic underpinnings still prove challenging, in part due to phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity.This review focuses on parent-of-origin effects (POEs), where the phenotypic effect of an allele depends on its parental origin. POEs include genomic imprinting, transgenerational effects, mitochondrial DNA, sex chromosomes and mutational transmission bias. The motivation for investigating these mechanisms in ASD has been driven by their known impacts on early brain development and brain functioning, in particular for the most well-documented POE, genomic imprinting. Moreover, imprinting is implicated in syndromes such as Angelman and Prader-Willi, which frequently share comorbid symptoms with ASD. In addition to other regions in the genome, this comprehensive review highlights the 15q11-q13 and 7q chromosomal regions as well as the mitochondrial DNA as harbouring the majority of currently identified POEs in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niamh M Ryan
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elizabeth A Heron
- Neuropsychiatric Genetics Research Group, Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Punt AM, Judson MC, Sidorov MS, Williams BN, Johnson NS, Belder S, den Hertog D, Davis CR, Feygin MS, Lang PF, Jolfaei MA, Curran PJ, van IJcken WF, Elgersma Y, Philpot BD. Molecular and behavioral consequences of Ube3a gene overdosage in mice. JCI Insight 2022; 7:158953. [PMID: 36134658 PMCID: PMC9675564 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.158953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome 15q11.2-q13.1 duplication syndrome (Dup15q syndrome) is a severe neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by intellectual disability, impaired motor coordination, and autism spectrum disorder. Chromosomal multiplication of the UBE3A gene is presumed to be the primary driver of Dup15q pathophysiology, given that UBE3A exhibits maternal monoallelic expression in neurons and that maternal duplications typically yield far more severe neurodevelopmental outcomes than paternal duplications. However, studies into the pathogenic effects of UBE3A overexpression in mice have yielded conflicting results. Here, we investigated the neurodevelopmental impact of Ube3a gene overdosage using bacterial artificial chromosome-based transgenic mouse models (Ube3aOE) that recapitulate the increases in Ube3a copy number most often observed in Dup15q. In contrast to previously published Ube3a overexpression models, Ube3aOE mice were indistinguishable from wild-type controls on a number of molecular and behavioral measures, despite suffering increased mortality when challenged with seizures, a phenotype reminiscent of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. Collectively, our data support a model wherein pathogenic synergy between UBE3A and other overexpressed 15q11.2-q13.1 genes is required for full penetrance of Dup15q syndrome phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Mattijs Punt
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Matthew C. Judson
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Michael S. Sidorov
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Brittany N. Williams
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Naomi S. Johnson
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Sabine Belder
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Dion den Hertog
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Courtney R. Davis
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Maximillian S. Feygin
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Patrick F. Lang
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
| | - Mehrnoush Aghadavoud Jolfaei
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Patrick J. Curran
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Ype Elgersma
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Department of Neuroscience and
- ENCORE Expertise Center for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Benjamin D. Philpot
- Neuroscience Center, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and the Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities and
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Mishra A, Prabha PK, Singla R, Kaur G, Sharma AR, Joshi R, Suroy B, Medhi B. Epigenetic Interface of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs): Implications of Chromosome 15q11-q13 Segment. ACS Chem Neurosci 2022; 13:1684-1696. [PMID: 35635007 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are multifactorial in nature and include both genetic and environmental factors. The increasing evidence advocates an important role of epigenetics in ASD etiology. One of the most common forms of epigenetic changes observed in the case of neurodevelopmental disorders is imprinting which is tightly regulated by developmental and tissue-specific mechanisms. Interestingly, many of these disorders that demonstrate autism-like phenotypes at varying degrees have found involvement of chromosome 15q11-q13 segment. Numerous studies demonstrate occurrence of ASD in the presence of chromosomal abnormalities located mainly in Chr15q11-q13 region. Several plausible candidate genes associated with ASD are in this chromosomal segment, including gamma aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptor genes GABRB3, GABRA5 and GABRG3, UBE3A, ATP 10A, MKRN3, ZNF, MAGEL2, Necdin (NDN), and SNRPN. The main objective of this review is to highlight the contribution of epigenetic modulations in chromosome 15q11-q13 segment toward the genetic etiology and pathophysiology of ASD. The present review reports the abnormalities in epigenetic regulation on genes and genomic regions located on chromosome 15 in relation to either syndromic (15q11-q13 maternal duplication) or nonsyndromic forms of ASD. Furthermore, studies reviewed in this article demonstrate conditions in which epigenetic dysregulation has been found to be a pathological factor for ASD development, thereby supporting a role for epigenetics in the multifactorial etiologies of ASD. Also, on the basis of the evidence found so far, we strongly emphasize the need to develop future therapeutic strategies as well as screening procedures for ASD that target mechanisms involving genes located on the chromosomal 15q11-q13 segment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Mishra
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Praisy K Prabha
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rubal Singla
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Gurjeet Kaur
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Amit Raj Sharma
- Dept. of Neurology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Rupa Joshi
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Benjamin Suroy
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh 160012, India
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Di Lascio S, Fornasari D, Benfante R. The Human-Restricted Isoform of the α7 nAChR, CHRFAM7A: A Double-Edged Sword in Neurological and Inflammatory Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073463. [PMID: 35408823 PMCID: PMC8998457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CHRFAM7A is a relatively recent and exclusively human gene arising from the partial duplication of exons 5 to 10 of the α7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit (α7 nAChR) encoding gene, CHRNA7. CHRNA7 is related to several disorders that involve cognitive deficits, including neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory disorders. In extra-neuronal tissues, α7nAChR plays an important role in proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion, cell contact, apoptosis, angiogenesis, and tumor progression, as well as in the modulation of the inflammatory response through the “cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway”. CHRFAM7A translates the dupα7 protein in a multitude of cell lines and heterologous systems, while maintaining processing and trafficking that are very similar to the full-length form. It does not form functional ion channel receptors alone. In the presence of CHRNA7 gene products, dupα7 can assemble and form heteromeric receptors that, in order to be functional, should include at least two α7 subunits to form the agonist binding site. When incorporated into the receptor, in vitro and in vivo data showed that dupα7 negatively modulated α7 activity, probably due to a reduction in the number of ACh binding sites. Very recent data in the literature report that the presence of the duplicated gene may be responsible for the translational gap in several human diseases. Here, we will review the studies that have been conducted on CHRFAM7A in different pathologies, with the intent of providing evidence regarding when and how the expression of this duplicated gene may be beneficial or detrimental in the pathogenesis, and eventually in the therapeutic response, to CHRNA7-related neurological and non-neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Di Lascio
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy; (S.D.L.); (D.F.)
| | - Diego Fornasari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy; (S.D.L.); (D.F.)
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20845 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
| | - Roberta Benfante
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20129 Milan, Italy; (S.D.L.); (D.F.)
- CNR Institute of Neuroscience, 20845 Vedano al Lambro, Italy
- NeuroMi, Milan Center for Neuroscience, University of Milano Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Juriaans AF, Kerkhof GF, Hokken-Koelega ACS. The Spectrum of the Prader-Willi-like Pheno- and Genotype: A Review of the Literature. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:1-18. [PMID: 34460908 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic syndrome, caused by the loss of expression of the paternal chromosome 15q11-q13 region. Over the past years, many cases of patients with characteristics similar to PWS, but without a typical genetic aberration of the 15q11-q13 region, have been described. These patients are often labelled as Prader-Willi-like (PWL). PWL is an as-yet poorly defined syndrome, potentially affecting a significant number of children and adults. In the current clinical practice, patients labelled as PWL are mostly left without treatment options. Considering the similarities with PWS, children with PWL might benefit from the same care and treatment as children with PWS. This review gives more insight into the pheno- and genotype of PWL and includes 86 papers, containing 368 cases of patients with a PWL phenotype. We describe mutations and aberrations for consideration when suspicion of PWS remains after negative testing. The most common genetic diagnoses were Temple syndrome (formerly known as maternal uniparental disomy 14), Schaaf-Yang syndrome (truncating mutation in the MAGEL2 gene), 1p36 deletion, 2p deletion, 6q deletion, 6q duplication, 15q deletion, 15q duplication, 19p deletion, fragile X syndrome, and Xq duplication. We found that the most prevalent symptoms in the entire group were developmental delay/intellectual disability (76%), speech problems (64%), overweight/obesity (57%), hypotonia (56%), and psychobehavioral problems (53%). In addition, we propose a diagnostic approach to patients with a PWL phenotype for (pediatric) endocrinologists. PWL comprises a complex and diverse group of patients, which calls for multidisciplinary care with an individualized approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia F Juriaans
- National Reference Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome and Prader-Willi-like, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Subdivision of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, The Netherlands.,Dutch Growth Research Foundation, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerthe F Kerkhof
- National Reference Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome and Prader-Willi-like, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Subdivision of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Anita C S Hokken-Koelega
- National Reference Center for Prader-Willi Syndrome and Prader-Willi-like, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Subdivision of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, The Netherlands.,Dutch Growth Research Foundation, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Qian K, Koike T, Tamada K, Takumi T, Schuller BW, Yamamoto Y. Sensing the Sounds of Silence: A Pilot Study on the Detection of Model Mice of Autism Spectrum Disorder from Ultrasonic Vocalisations. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2021; 2021:68-71. [PMID: 34891241 DOI: 10.1109/embc46164.2021.9630793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Studying the animal models of human neuropsychiatric disorders can facilitate the understanding of mechanisms of symptoms both physiologically and genetically. Previous studies have shown that ultrasonic vocalisations (USVs) of mice might be efficient markers to distinguish the wild type group and the model of autism spectrum disorder (mASD). Nevertheless, in-depth analysis of these 'silence' sounds by leveraging the power of advanced computer audition technologies (e. g., deep learning) is limited. To this end, we propose a pilot study on using a large-scale pre-trained audio neural network to extract high-level representations from the USVs of mice for the task on detection of mASD. Experiments have shown a best result reaching an unweighted average recall of 79.2 % for the binary classification task in a rigorous subject-independent scenario. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time to analyse the sounds that cannot be heard by human beings for the detection of mASD mice. The novel findings can be significant to motivate future works with according means on studying animal models of human patients.
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Belelli D, Hales TG, Lambert JJ, Luscher B, Olsen R, Peters JA, Rudolph U, Sieghart W. GABA A receptors in GtoPdb v.2021.3. IUPHAR/BPS GUIDE TO PHARMACOLOGY CITE 2021; 2021. [PMID: 35005623 DOI: 10.2218/gtopdb/f72/2021.3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The GABAA receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel of the Cys-loop family that includes the nicotinic acetylcholine, 5-HT3 and strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors. GABAA receptor-mediated inhibition within the CNS occurs by fast synaptic transmission, sustained tonic inhibition and temporally intermediate events that have been termed 'GABAA, slow' [45]. GABAA receptors exist as pentamers of 4TM subunits that form an intrinsic anion selective channel. Sequences of six α, three β, three γ, one δ, three ρ, one ε, one π and one θ GABAA receptor subunits have been reported in mammals [278, 235, 236, 283]. The π-subunit is restricted to reproductive tissue. Alternatively spliced versions of many subunits exist (e.g. α4- and α6- (both not functional) α5-, β2-, β3- and γ2), along with RNA editing of the α3 subunit [71]. The three ρ-subunits, (ρ1-3) function as either homo- or hetero-oligomeric assemblies [359, 50]. Receptors formed from ρ-subunits, because of their distinctive pharmacology that includes insensitivity to bicuculline, benzodiazepines and barbiturates, have sometimes been termed GABAC receptors [359], but they are classified as GABA A receptors by NC-IUPHAR on the basis of structural and functional criteria [16, 235, 236]. Many GABAA receptor subtypes contain α-, β- and γ-subunits with the likely stoichiometry 2α.2β.1γ [168, 235]. It is thought that the majority of GABAA receptors harbour a single type of α- and β - subunit variant. The α1β2γ2 hetero-oligomer constitutes the largest population of GABAA receptors in the CNS, followed by the α2β3γ2 and α3β3γ2 isoforms. Receptors that incorporate the α4- α5-or α 6-subunit, or the β1-, γ1-, γ3-, δ-, ε- and θ-subunits, are less numerous, but they may nonetheless serve important functions. For example, extrasynaptically located receptors that contain α6- and δ-subunits in cerebellar granule cells, or an α4- and δ-subunit in dentate gyrus granule cells and thalamic neurones, mediate a tonic current that is important for neuronal excitability in response to ambient concentrations of GABA [209, 272, 83, 19, 288]. GABA binding occurs at the β+/α- subunit interface and the homologous γ+/α- subunits interface creates the benzodiazepine site. A second site for benzodiazepine binding has recently been postulated to occur at the α+/β- interface ([254]; reviewed by [282]). The particular α-and γ-subunit isoforms exhibit marked effects on recognition and/or efficacy at the benzodiazepine site. Thus, receptors incorporating either α4- or α6-subunits are not recognised by 'classical' benzodiazepines, such as flunitrazepam (but see [356]). The trafficking, cell surface expression, internalisation and function of GABAA receptors and their subunits are discussed in detail in several recent reviews [52, 140, 188, 316] but one point worthy of note is that receptors incorporating the γ2 subunit (except when associated with α5) cluster at the postsynaptic membrane (but may distribute dynamically between synaptic and extrasynaptic locations), whereas as those incorporating the δ subunit appear to be exclusively extrasynaptic. NC-IUPHAR [16, 235, 3, 2] class the GABAA receptors according to their subunit structure, pharmacology and receptor function. Currently, eleven native GABAA receptors are classed as conclusively identified (i.e., α1β2γ2, α1βγ2, α3βγ2, α4βγ2, α4β2δ, α4β3δ, α5βγ2, α6βγ2, α6β2δ, α6β3δ and ρ) with further receptor isoforms occurring with high probability, or only tentatively [235, 236]. It is beyond the scope of this Guide to discuss the pharmacology of individual GABAA receptor isoforms in detail; such information can be gleaned in the reviews [16, 95, 168, 173, 143, 278, 216, 235, 236] and [9, 10]. Agents that discriminate between α-subunit isoforms are noted in the table and additional agents that demonstrate selectivity between receptor isoforms, for example via β-subunit selectivity, are indicated in the text below. The distinctive agonist and antagonist pharmacology of ρ receptors is summarised in the table and additional aspects are reviewed in [359, 50, 145, 223]. Several high-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures have been described in which the full-length human α1β3γ2L GABAA receptor in lipid nanodiscs is bound to the channel-blocker picrotoxin, the competitive antagonist bicuculline, the agonist GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid), and the classical benzodiazepines alprazolam and diazepam [198].
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12
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Fu Z, Jia YX, Fu JX, Li TX, Zhao JJ, Wang T, Qiao ZD, Liu XY, Tang R, Lv T, Yang GL. A case of 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome and literature review. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e2219. [PMID: 34292674 PMCID: PMC8413793 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The chromosomal 15q11-q13 regions are structurally complex, and their abnormalities are associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), epilepsy, Angelman syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome. CASE DESCRIPTION A 6-year-old child was admitted to the hospital as a result of an "epileptic status" showing ASD, intractable epilepsy, and total developmental retardation. Chromosome gene detection showed repetitive variation in the 15q11-q13 regions, and the video electroencephalogram was abnormal. Although children are currently given antiepileptic treatment and rehabilitation training, intermittent seizures can still occur. CONCLUSION The clinical phenotypes of 15q11-q13 repetitive syndrome are complex, and vary in severity. Children with intractable epilepsy, ASD, and language and motor retardation should be considered to have this syndrome, which requires confirmation by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification and gene detection. These approaches can enable early rehabilitation treatment and improve the patients' quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Fu
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yue-Xin Jia
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jun-Xian Fu
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Tian-Xia Li
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhao
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Zhi-Dong Qiao
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Xiao-Yang Liu
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Rong Tang
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Ting Lv
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
| | - Guang-Lu Yang
- Department of Pediatric, The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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13
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Fetit R, Hillary RF, Price DJ, Lawrie SM. The neuropathology of autism: A systematic review of post-mortem studies of autism and related disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:35-62. [PMID: 34273379 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-mortem studies allow for the direct investigation of brain tissue in those with autism and related disorders. Several review articles have focused on aspects of post-mortem abnormalities but none has brought together the entire post-mortem literature. Here, we systematically review the evidence from post-mortem studies of autism, and of related disorders that present with autistic features. The literature consists of a small body of studies with small sample sizes, but several remarkably consistent findings are evident. Cortical layering is largely undisturbed, but there are consistent reductions in minicolumn numbers and aberrant myelination. Transcriptomics repeatedly implicate abberant synaptic, metabolic, proliferation, apoptosis and immune pathways. Sufficient replicated evidence is available to implicate non-coding RNA, aberrant epigenetic profiles, GABAergic, glutamatergic and glial dysfunction in autism pathogenesis. Overall, the cerebellum and frontal cortex are most consistently implicated, sometimes revealing distinct region-specific alterations. The literature on related disorders such as Rett syndrome, Fragile X and copy number variations (CNVs) predisposing to autism is particularly small and inconclusive. Larger studies, matched for gender, developmental stage, co-morbidities and drug treatment are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Fetit
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK.
| | - Robert F Hillary
- Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - David J Price
- Simons Initiative for the Developing Brain, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Stephen M Lawrie
- Division of Psychiatry, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK; Patrick Wild Centre, Centre for Clinical Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH10 5HF, UK
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14
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Aguilera-Albesa S, de la Hoz AB, Ibarluzea N, Ordóñez-Castillo AR, Busto-Crespo O, Villate O, Ibiricu-Yanguas MA, Yoldi-Petri ME, García de Gurtubay I, Perez de Nanclares G, Pereda A, Tejada MI. Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and Intellectual Disability: Clinicogenetic Lessons From a Family Suggesting a Dual Genetics Diagnosis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:41. [PMID: 32117010 PMCID: PMC7033498 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hereditary spastic paraplegias (HSPs) are a heterogeneous group of genetic disorders with spastic paraparesis as the main clinical feature. Complex forms may co-occur with other motor, sensory, and cognitive impairment. A growing number of loci and genes are being identified, but still more than 50% of the patients remain without molecular diagnosis. We present a Spanish family with autosomal dominant HSP and intellectual disability (ID) in which we found a possible dual genetic diagnosis with incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity in the parents and three siblings: a heterozygous duplication of 15q11.2–q13.1 found by array CGH and a novel missense heterozygous change in REEP1 [c.73A>G; p.(Lys25Glu)] found by whole exome sequencing (WES). Following the standard genetic diagnosis approach in ID, array CGH analysis was first performed in both brothers affected by spastic paraparesis and ID from school age, and a heterozygous duplication of 15q11.2–q13.1 was found. Subsequently, the duplication was also found in the healthy mother and in the sister, who presented attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms from school age and pes cavus with mild pyramidal signs at 22 years of age. Methylation analysis revealed that the three siblings carried the duplication unmethylated in the maternal allele, whereas their mother harbored it methylated in her paternal allele. Functional studies revealed an overexpression of UBE3A and ATP10A in the three siblings, and the slightest cognitive phenotype of the sister seems to be related to a lower expression of ATP10A. Later, searching for the cause of HSP, WES was performed revealing the missense heterozygous variant in REEP1 in all three siblings and the father, who presented subtle pyramidal signs in the lower limbs as well as the sister. Our findings reinforce the association of maternally derived UBE3A overexpression with neurodevelopmental disorders and support that a spectrum of clinical severity is present within families. They also reveal that a dual genetic diagnosis is possible in patients with presumed complex forms of HSP and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Aguilera-Albesa
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Navarra Health Service Hospital, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarrabiomed Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ana Belén de la Hoz
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Clinical Group Affiliated With the Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
| | - Nekane Ibarluzea
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Clinical Group Affiliated With the Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Olivia Busto-Crespo
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Navarra Health Service, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Olatz Villate
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Clinical Group Affiliated With the Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Service, Cruces University Hospital, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - María Asunción Ibiricu-Yanguas
- Navarrabiomed Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Neurophysiology, Navarra Health Service Hospital, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María E Yoldi-Petri
- Paediatric Neurology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Navarra Health Service Hospital, Pamplona, Spain.,Navarrabiomed Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Iñaki García de Gurtubay
- Navarrabiomed Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain.,Department of Neurophysiology, Navarra Health Service Hospital, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Guiomar Perez de Nanclares
- Rare Diseases Research Group, Molecular (Epi)Genetics Laboratory, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Arrate Pereda
- Rare Diseases Research Group, Molecular (Epi)Genetics Laboratory, Bioaraba Health Research Institute, Araba University Hospital, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - María Isabel Tejada
- Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Clinical Group Affiliated With the Centre for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Valencia, Spain.,Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Genetics Service, Cruces University Hospital, Osakidetza Basque Health Service, Barakaldo, Spain
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15
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Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been increasing steadily over the last 20 years; however, the molecular basis for the majority of ASD cases remains unknown. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and detection of DNA modifications have made methylation-dependent regulation of transcription an attractive hypothesis for being a causative factor in ASD etiology. Evidence for abnormal DNA methylation in ASD can be seen on multiple levels, from genetic mutations in epigenetic machinery to loci-specific and genome-wide changes in DNA methylation. Epimutations in DNA methylation can be acquired throughout life, as global DNA methylation reprogramming is dynamic during embryonic development and the early postnatal period that corresponds to the peak time of synaptogenesis. However, technical advances and causative evidence still need to be established before abnormal DNA methylation and ASD can be confidently associated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine W Tremblay
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Program in Genetics and Genomics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.,Departments of Pediatrics and Neurobiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA;
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16
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Kalpachidou T, Kummer KK, Mitrić M, Kress M. Tissue Specific Reference Genes for MicroRNA Expression Analysis in a Mouse Model of Peripheral Nerve Injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:283. [PMID: 31824261 PMCID: PMC6883285 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 11/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have emerged as master switch regulators in many biological processes in health and disease, including neuropathy. miRNAs are commonly quantified by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), usually estimated as relative expression through reference genes normalization. Different non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are used for miRNA normalization; however, there is no study identifying the optimal reference genes in animal models for peripheral nerve injury. We evaluated the stability of eleven ncRNAs, commonly used for miRNA normalization, in dorsal root ganglia (DRG), dorsal horn of the spinal cord (dhSC), and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) in the mouse spared nerve injury (SNI) model. After RT-qPCR, the stability of each ncRNA was determined by using four different methods: BestKeeper, the comparative delta-Cq method, geNorm, and NormFinder. The candidates were rated according to their performance in each method and an overall ranking list was compiled. The most stable ncRNAs were: sno420, sno429, and sno202 in DRG; sno429, sno202, and U6 in dhSC; sno202, sno420, and sno142 in mPFC. We provide the first reference genes' evaluation for miRNA normalization in different neuronal tissues in an animal model of peripheral nerve injury. Our results underline the need for careful selection of reference genes for miRNA normalization in different tissues and experimental conditions. We further anticipate that our findings can be used in a broad range of nerve injury related studies, to ensure validity and promote reproducibility in miRNA quantification.
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17
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Possible Phenotypic Consequences of Structural Differences in Idic(15) in a Small Cohort of Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194935. [PMID: 31590400 PMCID: PMC6801911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Among human supernumerary marker chromosomes, the occurrence of isodicentric form of 15 origin is relatively well known due to its high frequency, both in terms of gene content and associated clinical symptoms. The associated epilepsy and autism are typically more severe than in cases with interstitial 15q duplication, despite copy number gain of approximately the same genomic region. Other mechanisms besides segmental aneuploidy and epigenetic changes may also cause this difference. Among the factors influencing the expression of members of the GABAA gene cluster, the imprinting effect and copy number differences has been debated. Limited numbers of studies investigate factors influencing the interaction of GABAA cluster homologues. Five isodicentric (15) patients are reported with heterogeneous symptoms, and structural differences of their isodicentric chromosomes based on array comparative genomic hybridization results. Relations between the structure and the heterogeneous clinical picture are discussed, raising the possibility that the structure of the isodicentric (15), which has an asymmetric breakpoint and consequently a lower copy number segment, would be the basis of the imbalance of the GABAA homologues. Studies of trans interaction and regulation of GABAA cluster homologues are needed to resolve this issue, considering copy number differences within the isodicentric chromosome 15.
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18
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Lee C, Kang EY, Gandal MJ, Eskin E, Geschwind DH. Profiling allele-specific gene expression in brains from individuals with autism spectrum disorder reveals preferential minor allele usage. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:1521-1532. [PMID: 31455884 PMCID: PMC6750256 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0461-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
One fundamental but understudied mechanism of gene regulation in disease is allele-specific expression (ASE), the preferential expression of one allele. We leveraged RNA-sequencing data from human brain to assess ASE in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When ASE is observed in ASD, the allele with lower population frequency (minor allele) is preferentially more highly expressed than the major allele, opposite to the canonical pattern. Importantly, genes showing ASE in ASD are enriched in those downregulated in ASD postmortem brains and in genes harboring de novo mutations in ASD. Two regions, 14q32 and 15q11, containing all known orphan C/D box small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), are particularly enriched in shifts to higher minor allele expression. We demonstrate that this allele shifting enhances snoRNA-targeted splicing changes in ASD-related target genes in idiopathic ASD and 15q11-q13 duplication syndrome. Together, these results implicate allelic imbalance and dysregulation of orphan C/D box snoRNAs in ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhoon Lee
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Eun Yong Kang
- Department of Computer Science, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Michael J Gandal
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eleazar Eskin
- Department of Computer Science, Henry Samueli School of Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Computational Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Program in Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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19
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Salminen I, Read S, Hurd P, Crespi B. Genetic variation of UBE3A is associated with schizotypy in a population of typical individuals. Psychiatry Res 2019; 275:94-99. [PMID: 30897394 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The maternally expressed imprinted gene UBE3A has been implicated in autism, schizophrenia and psychosis. The phenotype of Angelman syndrome, caused by loss of UBE3A expression, involves autism spectrum traits, while Prader-Willi syndrome, where the genotype of maternal disomy increases dosage of UBE3A, shows high penetrance for the development of psychosis. Maternal duplications of the 15q11-q13 chromosome region that overlap the imprinted region also show an association with schizophrenia, further implying a connection between increased dosage of UBE3A and the development of schizophrenia and psychosis. We phenotyped a large population of typical individuals for autism spectrum and schizotypal traits and genotyped them for a set of SNPs in UBE3A. Genetic variation of rs732739, an intronic SNP tagging a large haplotype spanning nearly the entire range of UBE3A, was significantly associated with variation in total schizotypy. Our results provide an independent line of evidence, connecting the imprinted UBE3A gene to the schizophrenia spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iiro Salminen
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Silven Read
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Pete Hurd
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Bernard Crespi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
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20
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Abstract
Many processes in the human body - including brain function - are regulated over the 24-hour cycle, and there are strong associations between disrupted circadian rhythms (for example, sleep-wake cycles) and disorders of the CNS. Brain disorders such as autism, depression and Parkinson disease typically develop at certain stages of life, and circadian rhythms are important during each stage of life for the regulation of processes that may influence the development of these disorders. Here, we describe circadian disruptions observed in various brain disorders throughout the human lifespan and highlight emerging evidence suggesting these disruptions affect the brain. Currently, much of the evidence linking brain disorders and circadian dysfunction is correlational, and so whether and what kind of causal relationships might exist are unclear. We therefore identify remaining questions that may direct future research towards a better understanding of the links between circadian disruption and CNS disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan W Logan
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Colleen A McClung
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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21
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Matricardi S, Darra F, Spalice A, Basti C, Fontana E, Dalla Bernardina B, Elia M, Giordano L, Accorsi P, Cusmai R, De Liso P, Romeo A, Ragona F, Granata T, Concolino D, Carotenuto M, Pavone P, Pruna D, Striano P, Savasta S, Verrotti A. Electroclinical findings and long-term outcomes in epileptic patients with inv dup (15). Acta Neurol Scand 2018; 137:575-581. [PMID: 29363096 DOI: 10.1111/ane.12902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To define the electroclinical phenotype and long-term outcomes in a cohort of patients with inv dup (15) syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS The electroclinical data of 45 patients (25 males) affected by inv dup (15) and seizures were retrospectively analysed, and long-term follow-up of epilepsy was evaluated. RESULTS Epilepsy onset was marked by generalized seizures in 53% of patients, epileptic spasms in 51%, focal seizures in 26%, atypical absences in 11% and epileptic falls in 9%. The epileptic syndromes defined were: generalized epilepsy (26.7%), focal epilepsy (22.3%), epileptic encephalopathy with epileptic spasms as the only seizure type (17.7%) and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (33.3%). Drug-resistant epilepsy was detected in 55.5% of patients. There was a significant higher prevalence of seizure-free patients in those with seizure onset after the age of 5 years and with focal epilepsy, with respect to those with earlier epilepsy onset because most of these later developed an epileptic encephalopathy (69.2% vs 34.4%; P = .03), usually Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome in type. In fact, among patients with early-onset epilepsy, those presenting with epileptic spasms as the only seizure type associated with classical hypsarrhythmia achieved seizure freedom (P < .001) compared to patients with spasms and other seizure types associated with modified hypsarrhythmia. CONCLUSIONS Epilepsy in inv dup (15) leads to a more severe burden of disease. Frequently, these patients show drug resistance, in particular when epilepsy onset is before the age of five and features epileptic encephalopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Matricardi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry; Children's Hospital “G.Salesi”; Ospedali Riuniti; Ancona Italy
| | - F. Darra
- Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - A. Spalice
- Department of Pediatrics; Division of Child Neurology; Sapienza, University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - C. Basti
- Department of Pediatrics; University of L'Aquila; L'Aquila Italy
| | - E. Fontana
- Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - B. Dalla Bernardina
- Department of Life and Reproduction Sciences; University of Verona; Verona Italy
| | - M. Elia
- Unit of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiopathology; Oasi Institute for Research on Mental Retardation and Brain Aging (IRCCS); Troina (EN) Italy
| | - L. Giordano
- Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry; Ospedali Civili; Brescia Italy
| | - P. Accorsi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry; Ospedali Civili; Brescia Italy
| | - R. Cusmai
- Child Neurology Unit; Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation; “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - P. De Liso
- Child Neurology Unit; Department of Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation; “Bambino Gesù” Children's Hospital; IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - A. Romeo
- Department of Neuroscience; Pediatric Neurology Unit and Epilepsy Center; “Fatebenefratelli e Oftalmico” Hospital; Milan Italy
| | - F. Ragona
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience; Foundation I.R.C.C.S. Neurological Institute ‘‘C. Besta’’; Milan Italy
| | - T. Granata
- Department of Pediatric Neuroscience; Foundation I.R.C.C.S. Neurological Institute ‘‘C. Besta’’; Milan Italy
| | - D. Concolino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences; Pediatric Unit; Magna Graecia University; Catanzaro Italy
| | - M. Carotenuto
- Department of Mental Health, Physical and Preventive Medicine; Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry; Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”; Naples Italy
| | - P. Pavone
- General and Emergency Paediatrics Operative Unit; Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele University Hospital; University of Catania; Catania Italy
| | - D. Pruna
- Epilepsy Unit; A. Cao Hospital; Cagliari Italy
| | - P. Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Opthalmology, Genetics and Maternal and Child Health; G. Gaslini Institute; University of Genova; Genova Italy
| | - S. Savasta
- Department of Pediatrics; University of Pavia; Pavia Italy
| | - A. Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics; University of L'Aquila; L'Aquila Italy
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22
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Urraca N, Hope K, Victor AK, Belgard TG, Memon R, Goorha S, Valdez C, Tran QT, Sanchez S, Ramirez J, Donaldson M, Bridges D, Reiter LT. Significant transcriptional changes in 15q duplication but not Angelman syndrome deletion stem cell-derived neurons. Mol Autism 2018; 9:6. [PMID: 29423132 PMCID: PMC5787244 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-018-0191-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The inability to analyze gene expression in living neurons from Angelman (AS) and Duplication 15q (Dup15q) syndrome subjects has limited our understanding of these disorders at the molecular level. Method Here, we use dental pulp stem cells (DPSC) from AS deletion, 15q Duplication, and neurotypical control subjects for whole transcriptome analysis. We identified 20 genes unique to AS neurons, 120 genes unique to 15q duplication, and 3 shared transcripts that were differentially expressed in DPSC neurons vs controls. Results Copy number correlated with gene expression for most genes across the 15q11.2-q13.1 critical region. Two thirds of the genes differentially expressed in 15q duplication neurons were downregulated compared to controls including several transcription factors, while in AS differential expression was restricted primarily to the 15q region. Here, we show significant downregulation of the transcription factors FOXO1 and HAND2 in neurons from 15q duplication, but not AS deletion subjects suggesting that disruptions in transcriptional regulation may be a driving factor in the autism phenotype in Dup15q syndrome. Downstream analysis revealed downregulation of the ASD associated genes EHPB2 and RORA, both genes with FOXO1 binding sites. Genes upregulated in either Dup15q cortex or idiopathic ASD cortex both overlapped significantly with the most upregulated genes in Dup15q DPSC-derived neurons. Conclusions Finding a significant increase in both HERC2 and UBE3A in Dup15q neurons and significant decrease in these two genes in AS deletion neurons may explain differences between AS deletion class and UBE3A specific classes of AS mutation where HERC2 is expressed at normal levels. Also, we identified an enrichment for FOXO1-regulated transcripts in Dup15q neurons including ASD-associated genes EHPB2 and RORA indicating a possible connection between this syndromic form of ASD and idiopathic cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Urraca
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Ave., Link 415, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - Kevin Hope
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Ave., Link 415, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
- IPBS Program, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - A. Kaitlyn Victor
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Ave., Link 415, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
- IPBS Program, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - T. Grant Belgard
- MRC Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3QX UK
| | - Rawaha Memon
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - Sarita Goorha
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Ave., Link 415, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - Colleen Valdez
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Ave., Link 415, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - Quynh T. Tran
- Department of Preventive Medicine, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - Silvia Sanchez
- Instituto Nacional de Pediatria, 04530 Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Juanma Ramirez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Basque Country, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Martin Donaldson
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
| | - Dave Bridges
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Lawrence T. Reiter
- Department of Neurology, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Ave., Link 415, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163 USA
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23
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Forsberg SL, Ilieva M, Maria Michel T. Epigenetics and cerebral organoids: promising directions in autism spectrum disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:14. [PMID: 29317608 PMCID: PMC5802583 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-017-0062-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect 1 in 68 children in the US according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is characterized by impairments in social interactions and communication, restrictive and repetitive patterns of behaviors, and interests. Owing to disease complexity, only a limited number of treatment options are available mainly for children that alleviate but do not cure the debilitating symptoms. Studies confirm a genetic link, but environmental factors, such as medications, toxins, and maternal infection during pregnancy, as well as birth complications also play a role. Some studies indicate a set of candidate genes with different DNA methylation profiles in ASD compared to healthy individuals. Thus epigenetic alterations could help bridging the gene-environment gap in deciphering the underlying neurobiology of autism. However, epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have mainly included a very limited number of postmortem brain samples. Hence, cellular models mimicking brain development in vitro will be of great importance to study the critical epigenetic alterations and when they might happen. This review will give an overview of the state of the art concerning knowledge on epigenetic changes in autism and how new, cutting edge expertise based on three-dimensional (3D) stem cell technology models (brain organoids) can contribute in elucidating the multiple aspects of disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheena Louise Forsberg
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mirolyuba Ilieva
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.
| | - Tanja Maria Michel
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute for Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychiatry in the region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Odense Center for Applied Neuroscience BRIDGE, University of Southern Denmark, Psychiatry in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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24
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Hope KA, LeDoux MS, Reiter LT. Glial overexpression of Dube3a causes seizures and synaptic impairments in Drosophila concomitant with down regulation of the Na +/K + pump ATPα. Neurobiol Dis 2017; 108:238-248. [PMID: 28888970 PMCID: PMC5675773 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2017.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Duplication 15q syndrome (Dup15q) is an autism-associated disorder co-incident with high rates of pediatric epilepsy. Additional copies of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3A are thought to cause Dup15q phenotypes, yet models overexpressing UBE3A in neurons have not recapitulated the epilepsy phenotype. We show that Drosophila endogenously expresses Dube3a (fly UBE3A homolog) in glial cells and neurons, prompting an investigation into the consequences of glial Dube3a overexpression. Here we expand on previous work showing that the Na+/K+ pump ATPα is a direct ubiquitin ligase substrate of Dube3a. A robust seizure-like phenotype was observed in flies overexpressing Dube3a in glial cells, but not neurons. Glial-specific knockdown of ATPα also produced seizure-like behavior, and this phenotype was rescued by simultaneously overexpressing ATPα and Dube3a in glia. Our data provides the basis of a paradigm shift in Dup15q research given that clinical phenotypes have long been assumed to be due to neuronal UBE3A overexpression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Hope
- Department of Neurology, UTHSC, Memphis, TN, United States; Integrated Biomedical Science Program, UTHSC, Memphis, TN, United States; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, UTHSC, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Mark S LeDoux
- Department of Neurology, UTHSC, Memphis, TN, United States; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, UTHSC, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Lawrence T Reiter
- Department of Neurology, UTHSC, Memphis, TN, United States; Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, UTHSC, Memphis, TN, United States; Department of Pediatrics, UTHSC, Memphis, TN, United States.
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25
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Singh R, Lauth M. Emerging Roles of DYRK Kinases in Embryogenesis and Hedgehog Pathway Control. J Dev Biol 2017; 5:E13. [PMID: 29615569 PMCID: PMC5831797 DOI: 10.3390/jdb5040013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2017] [Revised: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh)/GLI signaling is an important instructive cue in various processes during embryonic development, such as tissue patterning, stem cell maintenance, and cell differentiation. It also plays crucial roles in the development of many pediatric and adult malignancies. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of pathway regulation is therefore of high interest. Dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinases (DYRKs) comprise a group of protein kinases which are emerging modulators of signal transduction, cell proliferation, survival, and cell differentiation. Work from the last years has identified a close regulatory connection between DYRKs and the Hh signaling system. In this manuscript, we outline the mechanistic influence of DYRK kinases on Hh signaling with a focus on the mammalian situation. We furthermore aim to bring together what is known about the functional consequences of a DYRK-Hh cross-talk and how this might affect cellular processes in development, physiology, and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeev Singh
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Philipps University Marburg, Institute of Molecular Biology and Tumor Research (IMT), Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Hans-Meerwein-Str. 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany.
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Neurodevelopmental Disorders and Environmental Toxicants: Epigenetics as an Underlying Mechanism. Int J Genomics 2017; 2017:7526592. [PMID: 28567415 PMCID: PMC5439185 DOI: 10.1155/2017/7526592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders, especially autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), calls for more research into the identification of etiologic and risk factors. The Developmental Origin of Health and Disease (DOHaD) hypothesizes that the environment during fetal and childhood development affects the risk for many chronic diseases in later stages of life, including neurodevelopmental disorders. Epigenetics, a term describing mechanisms that cause changes in the chromosome state without affecting DNA sequences, is suggested to be the underlying mechanism, according to the DOHaD hypothesis. Moreover, many neurodevelopmental disorders are also related to epigenetic abnormalities. Experimental and epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to prenatal environmental toxicants is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, there is also evidence that environmental toxicants can result in epigenetic alterations, notably DNA methylation. In this review, we first focus on the relationship between neurodevelopmental disorders and environmental toxicants, in particular maternal smoking, plastic-derived chemicals (bisphenol A and phthalates), persistent organic pollutants, and heavy metals. We then review studies showing the epigenetic effects of those environmental factors in humans that may affect normal neurodevelopment.
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Dunaway KW, Islam MS, Coulson RL, Lopez SJ, Vogel Ciernia A, Chu RG, Yasui DH, Pessah IN, Lott P, Mordaunt C, Meguro-Horike M, Horike SI, Korf I, LaSalle JM. Cumulative Impact of Polychlorinated Biphenyl and Large Chromosomal Duplications on DNA Methylation, Chromatin, and Expression of Autism Candidate Genes. Cell Rep 2016; 17:3035-3048. [PMID: 27974215 PMCID: PMC5206988 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.11.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare variants enriched for functions in chromatin regulation and neuronal synapses have been linked to autism. How chromatin and DNA methylation interact with environmental exposures at synaptic genes in autism etiologies is currently unclear. Using whole-genome bisulfite sequencing in brain tissue and a neuronal cell culture model carrying a 15q11.2-q13.3 maternal duplication, we find that significant global DNA hypomethylation is enriched over autism candidate genes and affects gene expression. The cumulative effect of multiple chromosomal duplications and exposure to the pervasive persistent organic pollutant PCB 95 altered methylation of more than 1,000 genes. Hypomethylated genes were enriched for H2A.Z, increased maternal UBE3A in Dup15q corresponded to reduced levels of RING1B, and bivalently modified H2A.Z was altered by PCB 95 and duplication. These results demonstrate the compounding effects of genetic and environmental insults on the neuronal methylome that converge upon dysregulation of chromatin and synaptic genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith W Dunaway
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - M Saharul Islam
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Rochelle L Coulson
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - S Jesse Lopez
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Annie Vogel Ciernia
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Roy G Chu
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Dag H Yasui
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Isaac N Pessah
- Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Veterinary Molecular Biosciences, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Paul Lott
- Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Charles Mordaunt
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Makiko Meguro-Horike
- Advanced Science Research Center, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichi Horike
- Advanced Science Research Center, Kanazawa University, 13-1 Takaramachi, Kanazawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Ian Korf
- Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Genome Center, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; MIND Institute, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA; Center for Children's Environmental Health, UC Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
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Battaglia A, Bernardini L, Torrente I, Novelli A, Scarselli G. Spectrum of epilepsy and electroencephalogram patterns in idic (15) syndrome. Am J Med Genet A 2016; 170:2531-9. [PMID: 27513709 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Previous reports summarized the seizure types occurring in patients with idic(15) syndrome. To better define this issue, we retrospectively analyzed the evolution of electroencephalogram findings and seizures in 35 patients with confirmed idic(15). Epilepsy occurred in 28 patients (80%), with a median age of onset of 3 years 3 months. The initial seizures were infantile spasms associated with a hypsarrhythmic electroencephalogram (nine patients), focal/generalized tonic (seven patients), or atypical absences (eight patients). High doses of oral steroids were given in all nine children with infantile spasms, with remission of seizures and resolution of electroencephalogram abnormalities. Among them, three were seizure free at the time of evaluation, but six later developed Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut-like syndrome. The eight patients with atypical absences developed Lennox-Gastaut syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut-like syndrome. Epilepsy was well controlled in 32% of the patients; satisfactorily controlled (seizures reduced >75%) in 21.4%; partially controlled (seizures reduced <50%) in 10.7%; and uncontrolled in 32%. One patient was not taking any anti-epileptic drugs by his parents' choice. Fourteen percent were on monotherapy; whereas the other 82% were on polytherapy. Seizures stopped at a median age of 5 years 5 months. The interictal electroencephalogram showed slow/sharp waves, and/or biphasic spikes-polyspikes, spike/wave complexes, and an excess of fast activity mainly over the fronto-temporal areas. Epilepsy is a major clinical challenge in patients with idic(15), associated with a poor prognosis in 55%. Frontal lobe seizures are a novel finding. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agatino Battaglia
- Stella Maris Clinical Research Institute for Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy.
| | - Laura Bernardini
- Mendel Laboratory IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Torrente
- Mendel Laboratory IRCCS "Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza" Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Rome, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gloria Scarselli
- Stella Maris Clinical Research Institute for Child and Adolescent Neurology and Psychiatry, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
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Friedman D, Thaler A, Thaler J, Rai S, Cook E, Schanen C, Devinsky O. Mortality in isodicentric chromosome 15 syndrome: The role of SUDEP. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 61:1-5. [PMID: 27218684 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/02/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To ascertain the cause of mortality and incidence of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) in patients with supernumerary isodicentric chromosome 15 (idic15). METHODS Cases were obtained from those reported to the Dup15q Alliance (www.dup15q.org) between April 2006 and June 2012; ~709 families were registered in their database. We performed a case-control study comparing reported SUDEP cases to living patients with epilepsy from the Dup15q Alliance registry who volunteered to be interviewed to examine clinical risk factors. KEY FINDINGS There were nineteen deaths with idic15; 17 had epilepsy, and nine deaths were due to probable or definite SUDEP (4 females, median age of death was 13.5years, range: 3-26years). Possible SUDEP occurred in 2 others. The remainder died from status epilepticus (3), pneumonia (3), aspiration (1), and drowning (1). Nonambulatory status and lack of seizure control were more common among SUDEP cases than living dup15q patients. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings suggest that SUDEP is a common cause of death among children and young adults with isodicentric chromosome 15q11.2q13 duplications and patients with the most severe neurologic dysfunction may be at highest risk. Further studies are needed to examine if this specific genetic defect plays a role in the mechanism of SUDEP in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Friedman
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States.
| | - Alison Thaler
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jonathan Thaler
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Samhitha Rai
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Edwin Cook
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Carolyn Schanen
- Nemours Biomedical Research, Alfred I duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, DE, United States
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- Department of Neurology, NYU Langone School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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Burette AC, Judson MC, Burette S, Phend KD, Philpot BD, Weinberg RJ. Subcellular organization of UBE3A in neurons. J Comp Neurol 2016; 525:233-251. [PMID: 27339004 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination regulates a broad array of cellular processes, and defective ubiquitination is implicated in several neurological disorders. Loss of the E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase UBE3A causes Angelman syndrome. Despite its clinical importance, the normal role of UBE3A in neurons is still unclear. As a step toward deciphering its possible functions, we performed high-resolution light and electron microscopic immunocytochemistry. We report a broad distribution of UBE3A in neurons, highlighted by concentrations in axon terminals and euchromatin-rich nuclear domains. Our findings suggest that UBE3A may act locally to regulate individual synapses while also mediating global, neuronwide influences through the regulation of gene transcription. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:233-251, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alain C Burette
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Matthew C Judson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neuroscience Center, and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Susan Burette
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Kristen D Phend
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Benjamin D Philpot
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Neurobiology Curriculum, Neuroscience Center, and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
| | - Richard J Weinberg
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology and Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
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DiStefano C, Gulsrud A, Huberty S, Kasari C, Cook E, Reiter LT, Thibert R, Jeste SS. Identification of a distinct developmental and behavioral profile in children with Dup15q syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2016; 8:19. [PMID: 27158270 PMCID: PMC4858912 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-016-9152-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most common genetic variants associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are duplications of chromosome 15q11.2-q13.1 (Dup15q syndrome). To identify distinctive developmental and behavioral features in Dup15q syndrome, we examined the social communication, adaptive, and cognitive skills in clinic-referred subjects and compared the characteristics of children with Dup15q syndrome to age/IQ-matched children with non-syndromic ASD. Behavior and development were also analyzed within the Dup15q group for differences related to copy number or epilepsy. METHODS Participants included 13 children with Dup15q syndrome and 13 children with non-syndromic ASD, matched on chronological and mental age, ages 22 months-12 years. In the Dup15q group, ten participants had isodicentric and three had interstitial duplications. Four children had active epilepsy (all isodicentric). Participants were assessed for verbal and non-verbal cognition, ASD characteristics based on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), and adaptive function based on the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (VABS). Group comparisons were performed between Dup15q and ASD participants, as well as within the Dup15q group based on duplication type and epilepsy status. RESULTS All children with Dup15q syndrome met the criteria for ASD; ASD severity scores were significantly lower than children in the non-syndromic ASD group. ADOS profiles demonstrated a relative strength in items related to social interest. Children with Dup15q syndrome also demonstrated significantly more impairment in motor and daily living skills. Within the Dup15q group, children with epilepsy demonstrated significantly lower cognitive and adaptive function than those without epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS The relative strength observed in social interest and responsiveness in the context of impaired motor skills represents an important avenue for intervention, including aggressive treatment of epilepsy, early and consistent focus on motor skills, and intervention targeting joint attention and language within a play context, in order to build on social interest to further develop social communication abilities. Longitudinal research beginning in early development will elucidate the temporal relationships between developmental domains and neurological comorbidities in these children at high risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte DiStefano
- />Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Amanda Gulsrud
- />Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Scott Huberty
- />Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Connie Kasari
- />Department of Human Development and Psychology, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Edwin Cook
- />Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL USA
| | - Lawrence T. Reiter
- />Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN USA
| | - Ronald Thibert
- />Department of Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA
| | - Shafali Spurling Jeste
- />Department of Neurology, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
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Deutsch SI, Burket JA, Benson AD, Urbano MR. The 15q13.3 deletion syndrome: Deficient α(7)-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor-mediated neurotransmission in the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2016; 64:109-17. [PMID: 26257138 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH) has led to the identification of microdeletions of the proximal region of chromosome 15q between breakpoints (BP) 3 or BP4 and BP5 encompassing CHRNA7, the gene encoding the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) subunit. Phenotypic manifestations of persons with these microdeletions are variable and some heterozygous carriers are seemingly unaffected, consistent with their variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance. Nonetheless, the 15q13.3 deletion syndrome is associated with several neuropsychiatric disorders, including idiopathic generalized epilepsy, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia. Haploinsufficient expression of CHRNA7 in this syndrome has highlighted important roles the α7nAChR plays in the developing brain and normal processes of attention, cognition, memory and behavior throughout life. Importantly, the existence of the 15q13.3 deletion syndrome contributes to an emerging literature supporting clinical trials therapeutically targeting the α7nAChR in disorders such as ASDs and schizophrenia, including the larger population of patients with no evidence of haploinsufficient expression of CHRNA7. Translational clinical trials will be facilitated by the existence of positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of the α7nAChR that act at sites on the receptor distinct from the orthosteric site that binds acetylcholine and choline, the receptor's endogenous ligands. PAMs lack intrinsic efficacy by themselves, but act where and when the endogenous ligands are released in response to relevant social and cognitive provocations to increase the likelihood they will result in α7nAChR ion channel activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen I Deutsch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 710, Norfolk, VA 23507-1912, United States.
| | - Jessica A Burket
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 710, Norfolk, VA 23507-1912, United States
| | - Andrew D Benson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 710, Norfolk, VA 23507-1912, United States
| | - Maria R Urbano
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 825 Fairfax Avenue, Suite 710, Norfolk, VA 23507-1912, United States
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Kazdoba TM, Hagerman RJ, Zolkowska D, Rogawski MA, Crawley JN. Evaluation of the neuroactive steroid ganaxolone on social and repetitive behaviors in the BTBR mouse model of autism. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:309-23. [PMID: 26525567 PMCID: PMC4703522 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-4115-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Abnormalities in excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmission are hypothesized to contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) etiology. BTBR T (+) Itpr3 (tf) /J (BTBR), an inbred mouse strain, displays social deficits and repetitive self-grooming, offering face validity to ASD diagnostic symptoms. Reduced GABAergic neurotransmission in BTBR suggests that GABAA receptor positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) could improve ASD-relevant BTBR phenotypes. The neuroactive steroid ganaxolone acts as a PAM, displaying anticonvulsant properties in rodent epilepsy models and an anxiolytic-like profile in the elevated plus-maze. OBJECTIVES We evaluated ganaxolone in BTBR and C57BL/6J mice in standardized assays for sociability and repetitive behaviors. Open field and anxiety-related behaviors were tested as internal controls and for comparison with the existing neuroactive steroid literature. RESULTS Ganaxolone improved aspects of social approach and reciprocal social interactions in BTBR, with no effect on repetitive self-grooming, and no detrimental effects in C57BL/6J. Ganaxolone increased overall exploratory activity in BTBR and C57BL/6J in the open field, social approach, and elevated plus-maze, introducing a confound for the interpretation of social improvements. Allopregnanolone and diazepam similarly increased total entries in the elevated plus-maze, indicating that behavioral activation may be a general property of GABAA receptor PAMs in these strains. CONCLUSIONS Ganaxolone shows promise for improving sociability. In addition, ganaxolone, as well as other GABAA receptor PAMs, enhanced overall BTBR activity. The translational implications of specific sociability improvements and nonspecific behavioral activation by ganaxolone in the BTBR model remain to be determined. Future studies to explore whether PAMs provide a novel profile with unique benefits for ASD treatment will be worthwhile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana M Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Randi J Hagerman
- MIND Institute, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Dorota Zolkowska
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Michael A Rogawski
- Department of Neurology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
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Wang Q, Wu W, Xu Z, Luo F, Zhou Q, Li P, Xie J. Copy number changes and methylation patterns in an isodicentric and a ring chromosome of 15q11-q13: report of two cases and review of literature. Mol Cytogenet 2015; 8:97. [PMID: 26697114 PMCID: PMC4687147 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-015-0198-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The low copy repeats (LCRs) in chromosome 15q11-q13 have been recognized as breakpoints (BP) for not only intrachromosomal deletions and duplications but also small supernumerary marker chromosomes 15, sSMC(15)s, in the forms of isodicentric chromosome or small ring chromosome. Further characterization of copy number changes and methylation patterns in these sSMC(15)s could lead to better understanding of their phenotypic consequences. Methods Routine G-band karyotyping, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis and methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) assay were performed on two Chinese patients with a sSMC(15). Results Patient 1 showed an isodicentric 15, idic(15)(q13), containing symmetrically two copies of a 7.7 Mb segment of the 15q11-q13 region by a BP3::BP3 fusion. Patient 2 showed a ring chromosome 15, r(15)(q13), with alternative one-copy and two-copy segments spanning a 12.3 Mb region. The defined methylation pattern indicated that the idic(15)(q13) and the r(15)(q13) were maternally derived. Conclusions Results from these two cases and other reported cases from literature indicated that combined karyotyping, aCGH and MS-MLPA analyses are effective to define the copy number changes and methylation patterns for sSMC(15)s in a clinical setting. The characterized genomic structure and epigenetic pattern of sSMC(15)s could lead to further gene expression profiling for better phenotype correlation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Wang
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, 3012 Fuqiang Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Weiqing Wu
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, 3012 Fuqiang Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong China ; Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Zhiyong Xu
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, 3012 Fuqiang Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Fuwei Luo
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, 3012 Fuqiang Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong China
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA ; First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Peining Li
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT USA
| | - Jiansheng Xie
- Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, 3012 Fuqiang Road, Shenzhen, Guangdong China
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LaSalle JM, Reiter LT, Chamberlain SJ. Epigenetic regulation of UBE3A and roles in human neurodevelopmental disorders. Epigenomics 2015; 7:1213-28. [PMID: 26585570 DOI: 10.2217/epi.15.70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3A, also known as E6-AP, has a multitude of ascribed functions and targets relevant to human health and disease. Epigenetic regulation of the UBE3A gene by parentally imprinted noncoding transcription within human chromosome 15q11.2-q13.3 is responsible for the maternal-specific effects of 15q11.2-q13.3 deletion or duplication disorders. Here, we review the evidence for diverse and emerging roles for UBE3A in the proteasome, synapse and nucleus in regulating protein stability and transcription as well as the current mechanistic understanding of UBE3A imprinting in neurons. Angelman and Dup15q syndromes as well as experimental models of these neurodevelopmental disorders are highlighted as improving understanding of UBE3A and its complex regulation for improving therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine M LaSalle
- Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Genome Center & MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Lawrence T Reiter
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA.,Department of Neurology, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Stormy J Chamberlain
- Department of Genetics & Developmental Biology & Stem Cell Institute, University of Connecticut, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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GABAB Receptor Agonist R-Baclofen Reverses Social Deficits and Reduces Repetitive Behavior in Two Mouse Models of Autism. Neuropsychopharmacology 2015; 40:2228-39. [PMID: 25754761 PMCID: PMC4613612 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 02/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is diagnosed by two core behavioral criteria, unusual reciprocal social interactions and communication, and stereotyped, repetitive behaviors with restricted interests. Excitatory/inhibitory imbalance is a prominent hypothesis for the etiology of autism. The selective GABAB receptor agonist R-baclofen previously reversed social deficits and reduced repetitive behaviors in a mouse model of Fragile X syndrome, and Arbaclofen improved some clinical symptoms in some Fragile X and ASD patients. To evaluate R-baclofen in a broader range of mouse models of ASD, we tested both the R-baclofen enantiomer and the less potent S-baclofen enantiomer in two inbred strains of mice that display low sociability and/or high repetitive or stereotyped behaviors. R-baclofen treatment reversed social approach deficits in BTBR T+ Itpr3tf/J (BTBR), reduced repetitive self-grooming and high marble burying scores in BTBR, and reduced stereotyped jumping in C58/J (C58), at nonsedating doses. S-baclofen produced minimal effects at the same doses. These findings encourage investigations of R-baclofen in other preclinical model systems. Additional clinical studies may be warranted to further evaluate the hypothesis that the GABAB receptor represents a promising pharmacological target for treating appropriately stratified subsets of individuals with ASD.
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Szabo A, Czako M, Hadzsiev K, Duga B, Komlosi K, Melegh B. Partial tetrasomy of the proximal long arm of chromosome 15 in two patients: the significance of the gene dosage in terms of phenotype. Mol Cytogenet 2015; 8:41. [PMID: 26110020 PMCID: PMC4479342 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-015-0137-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Large amounts of low copy number repeats in the 15q11.2q13.3 chromosomal region increase the possibility of misalignments and unequal crossover during meiosis in this region, leading to deletions, duplications, triplications and supernumerary chromosomes. Most of the reported cases with epilepsy, autism and Prader-Willi/Angelman syndrome are in association with rearrangements of the proximal long arm of chromosome 15. Results Here we report the first two unrelated Hungarian patients with the same epileptic and dysmorphic features, who were investigated by array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). By G-banded karyotype followed by FISH and array CGH we could detect partial tetrasomy of the 15q11.2q13.3 chromosomal region, supporting proximal 15q duplication syndrome. Findings of the array CGH gave fully explanation of the phenotypic features of these patients, including epileptic seizures, delayed development, hyperactivity and craniofacial dysmorphic signs. Besides the described features of isodicentric (15) (idic(15)) syndrome Patient 1. suffered from bigeminic extrasystoles and had postnatal growth retardation, which had been published only in a few articles. Conclusions Dosage effect of some genes in the concerned genomic region is known, but several genes have no evidence to have dosage dependence. Our results expanded the previous literature data. We assume dosage dependence in the case of CHRNA7 and OTUD7A, which might be involved in growth regulation. On the other hand increased dosage of the KLF13 gene seems to have no direct causal relationship with heart morphology. The genomic environment of the affected genes may be responsible for the observed phenotype. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13039-015-0137-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andras Szabo
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Pecs, Szigeti 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary ; Szentagothai Research Centre, Ifjusag 20, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Marta Czako
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Pecs, Szigeti 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary ; Szentagothai Research Centre, Ifjusag 20, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Kinga Hadzsiev
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Pecs, Szigeti 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary ; Szentagothai Research Centre, Ifjusag 20, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Balazs Duga
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Pecs, Szigeti 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary ; Szentagothai Research Centre, Ifjusag 20, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Komlosi
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Pecs, Szigeti 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary ; Szentagothai Research Centre, Ifjusag 20, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
| | - Bela Melegh
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Pecs, Szigeti 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary ; Szentagothai Research Centre, Ifjusag 20, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary
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PWS/AS MS-MLPA Confirms Maternal Origin of 15q11.2 Microduplication. Case Rep Genet 2015; 2015:474097. [PMID: 26064710 PMCID: PMC4439467 DOI: 10.1155/2015/474097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The proximal region of the long arm of chromosome 15q11.2-q13 is associated with various neurodevelopmental disorders, including Prader-Willi (PWS) and Angelman (AS) syndromes, autism, and other developmental abnormalities resulting from deletions and duplications. In addition, this region encompasses imprinted genes that cause PWS or AS, depending on the parent-of-origin. This imprinting allows for diagnosis of PWS or AS based on methylation status using methylation sensitive (MS) multiplex ligation dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Maternally derived microduplications at 15q11.2-q13 have been associated with autism and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Multiple methods have been used to determine the parent-of-origin for 15q11.2-q13 microdeletions and microduplications. In the present study, a four-year-old nondysmorphic female patient with developmental delay was found to have a de novo ~5 Mb duplication within 15q11.2 by oligonucleotide genomic array. In order to determine the significance of this microduplication to the clinical phenotype, the parent-of-origin needed to be identified. The PWS/AS MS-MLPA assay is generally used to distinguish between deletion and uniparental disomy (UPD) of 15q11.2-q13, resulting in either PWS or AS. However, our study shows that PWS/AS MS-MLPA can also efficiently distinguish the parental origin of duplications of 15q11.2-q13.
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Abstract
Recent years have witnessed a flurry of important technological and methodological developments in the discovery and analysis of copy number variations (CNVs), which are increasingly enabling the systematic evaluation of their impact on a broad range of phenotypes from molecular-level (intermediate) traits to higher-order clinical phenotypes. Like single nucleotide variants in the human genome, CNVs have been linked to complex traits in humans, including disease and drug response. These recent developments underscore the importance of incorporating complex forms of genetic variation into disease mapping studies and promise to transform our understanding of genome function and the genetic basis of disease. Here we review some of the findings that have emerged from transcriptome studies of CNVs facilitated by the rapid advances in -omics technologies and corresponding methodologies.
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Christofolini DM, Piazzon FB, Evo C, Mafra FA, Cosenza SR, Dias AT, Barbosa CP, Bianco B, Kulikowski LD. Complex small supernumerary marker chromosome with a 15q/16p duplication: clinical implications. Mol Cytogenet 2014; 7:29. [PMID: 24839463 PMCID: PMC4023550 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8166-7-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Complex small supernumerary marker chromosomes (sSMCs) consist of chromosomal material derived from more than one chromosome and have been implicated in reproductive problems such as recurrent pregnancy loss. They may also be associated with congenital abnormalities in the offspring of carriers. Due to its genomic architecture, chromosome 15 is frequently associated with rearrangements and the formation of sSMCs. Recently, several different CNVs have been described at 16p11.2, suggesting that this region is prone to rearrangements. Results We detected the concomitant occurrence of partial trisomy 15q and 16p, due to a complex sSMC, in a 6-year-old girl with clinical phenotypic. The karyotype was analyzed by G and C banding, NOR staining, FISH and SNP array and defined as 47,XX,+der(15)t(15;16)(q13;p13.2)mat. The array assay revealed an unexpected complex sSMC containing material from chromosomes 15 and 16, due to an inherited maternal translocation (passed along over several generations). The patient’s phenotype included microsomia, intellectual disability, speech delay, hearing impairment, dysphagia and other minor alterations. Discussion This is the first report on the concomitant occurrence of partial trisomy 15q and 16p. The wide range of phenotypes associated with complex sSMCs represents a challenge for genotype-phenotype correlation studies, accurate clinical assessment of patients and genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise M Christofolini
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Genetics Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flavia B Piazzon
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Laboratory, LIM 03, HC-FMUSP, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 255, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Carolina Evo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Genetics Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Mafra
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Genetics Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Stella R Cosenza
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Genetics Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T Dias
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Laboratory, LIM 03, HC-FMUSP, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 255, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
| | - Caio P Barbosa
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Genetics Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bianca Bianco
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Genetics Division, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC - FMABC, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leslie D Kulikowski
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Laboratory, LIM 03, HC-FMUSP, University of São Paulo, Av. Dr. Enéas de Carvalho Aguiar 255, São Paulo 05403-000, Brazil
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Conant KD, Finucane B, Cleary N, Martin A, Muss C, Delany M, Murphy EK, Rabe O, Luchsinger K, Spence SJ, Schanen C, Devinsky O, Cook EH, LaSalle J, Reiter LT, Thibert RL. A survey of seizures and current treatments in 15q duplication syndrome. Epilepsia 2014; 55:396-402. [PMID: 24502430 DOI: 10.1111/epi.12530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Seizures are common in individuals with duplications of chromosome 15q11.2-q13 (Dup15q). The goal of this study was to examine the phenotypes and treatments of seizures in Dup15q in a large population. METHODS A detailed electronic survey was conducted through the Dup15q Alliance containing comprehensive questions regarding seizures and their treatments in Dup15q. RESULTS There were 95 responses from Dup15q families. For the 83 with idic(15), 63% were reported to have seizures, of which 81% had multiple seizure types and 42% had infantile spasms. Other common seizure types were tonic-clonic, atonic, myoclonic, and focal. Only 3 of 12 individuals with int dup(15) had seizures. Broad spectrum antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) were the most effective medications, but carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine were also effective, although typical benzodiazepines were relatively ineffective. There was a 24% response rate (>90% seizure reduction) to the first AED tried. For those with infantile spasms, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) was more effective than vigabatrin. SIGNIFICANCE This is the largest study assessing seizures in Duplication 15q syndrome, but because this was a questionnaire-based study with a low return rate, it is susceptible to bias. Seizures are common in idic(15) and typically difficult to control, often presenting with infantile spasms and progressing to a Lennox-Gastaut-type syndrome. Seizures in those with int dup(15) are less common, with a frequency similar to the general autism population. In addition to broad spectrum AED, medications such as carbamazepine and oxcarbazepine are also relatively effective in controlling seizures in this population, suggesting a possible multifocal etiology, which may also explain the high rate of infantile spasms. Our small sample suggests a relative lack of efficacy of vigabatrin and other γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic medications, such as typical benzodiazepines, which may be attributable to abnormal GABAergic transmission resulting from the duplication of a cluster of GABAβ3 receptor genes in the 15q11.2-13 region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry D Conant
- Pediatric Epilepsy Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.A
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Whole-genome array CGH evaluation for replacing prenatal karyotyping in Hong Kong. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87988. [PMID: 24505343 PMCID: PMC3914896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2013] [Accepted: 01/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of whole-genome array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) in prenatal diagnosis in Hong Kong. Methods Array CGH was performed on 220 samples recruited prospectively as the first-tier test study. In addition 150 prenatal samples with abnormal fetal ultrasound findings found to have normal karyotypes were analyzed as a ‘further-test’ study using NimbleGen CGX-135K oligonucleotide arrays. Results Array CGH findings were concordant with conventional cytogenetic results with the exception of one case of triploidy. It was found in the first-tier test study that aCGH detected 20% (44/220) clinically significant copy number variants (CNV), of which 21 were common aneuploidies and 23 had other chromosomal imbalances. There were 3.2% (7/220) samples with CNVs detected by aCGH but not by conventional cytogenetics. In the ‘further-test’ study, the additional diagnostic yield of detecting chromosome imbalance was 6% (9/150). The overall detection for CNVs of unclear clinical significance was 2.7% (10/370) with 0.9% found to be de novo. Eleven loci of common CNVs were found in the local population. Conclusion Whole-genome aCGH offered a higher resolution diagnostic capacity than conventional karyotyping for prenatal diagnosis either as a first-tier test or as a ‘further-test’ for pregnancies with fetal ultrasound anomalies. We propose replacing conventional cytogenetics with aCGH for all pregnancies undergoing invasive diagnostic procedures after excluding common aneuploidies and triploidies by quantitative fluorescent PCR. Conventional cytogenetics can be reserved for visualization of clinically significant CNVs.
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Skaar DA, Li Y, Bernal AJ, Hoyo C, Murphy SK, Jirtle RL. The human imprintome: regulatory mechanisms, methods of ascertainment, and roles in disease susceptibility. ILAR J 2014; 53:341-58. [PMID: 23744971 DOI: 10.1093/ilar.53.3-4.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Imprinted genes form a special subset of the genome, exhibiting monoallelic expression in a parent-of-origin-dependent fashion. This monoallelic expression is controlled by parental-specific epigenetic marks, which are established in gametogenesis and early embryonic development and are persistent in all somatic cells throughout life. We define this specific set of cis-acting epigenetic regulatory elements as the imprintome, a distinct and specially tasked subset of the epigenome. Imprintome elements contain DNA methylation and histone modifications that regulate monoallelic expression by affecting promoter accessibility, chromatin structure, and chromatin configuration. Understanding their regulation is critical because a significant proportion of human imprinted genes are implicated in complex diseases. Significant species variation in the repertoire of imprinted genes and their epigenetic regulation, however, will not allow model organisms solely to be used for this crucial purpose. Ultimately, only the human will suffice to accurately define the human imprintome.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Skaar
- Department of Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Dosage-sensitivity of imprinted genes expressed in the brain: 15q11-q13 and neuropsychiatric illness. Biochem Soc Trans 2013; 41:721-6. [PMID: 23697931 DOI: 10.1042/bst20130008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Imprinted genes, those genes subject to parent-of-origin-specific epigenetic marking resulting in monoallelic parent-specific expression, are sensitive to subtle changes in expression dosage. This has been illustrated in a number of experimental models and the fact that both decreased (or complete loss) and increased imprinted gene expression can lead to human diseases. In the present paper, we discuss the consequence of increased dosage of imprinted genes for brain function, focusing on the PWS (Prader-Willi syndrome) locus on human chromosome 15q11-q13 and how predicted increases in dosage of maternally expressed imprinted genes from this interval are associated with a higher risk of developing psychotic illness. The evidence for this comes from individuals with PWS itself and also non-syndromic cases of psychosis in carriers of a maternally derived copy number variant spanning this locus. Of the known imprinted genes in this region, the prime candidate is maternally expressed UBE3A, which encodes E6-AP (E6-associated protein) ubiquitin ligase and has an influence on a number of important neurotransmitter systems. Furthermore, these findings point to the fact that brain function is exquisitely sensitive to both decreases and increases in the expression of imprinted genes.
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Duplication of the 15q11-q13 region: clinical and genetic study of 30 new cases. Eur J Med Genet 2013; 57:5-14. [PMID: 24239951 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2013.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 10/31/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND 15q11-q13 region is an area of well-known susceptibility to genomic rearrangements, in which several breakpoints have been identified (BP1-BP5). Duplication of this region is observed in two instances: presence of a supernumerary marker chromosome (SMC) derived of chromosome 15, or interstitial tandem duplication. Duplications are clinically characterized by a variable phenotype that includes central hypotonia, developmental delay, speech delay, seizure, minor dysmorphic features and autism. METHODS Retrospective clinical and molecular study of 30 unrelated patients who were identified among the patients seen at the genetic clinics of Robert DEBRE hospital with microduplication of the 15q11-q13 region. RESULTS Fifteen patients presented with a supernumerary marker derived from chromosome 15. In fourteen cases the SMC was of large size, encompassing the Prader-Willi/Angelman critical region. All but one was maternal in origin. One patient had a PWS-like phenotype in absence of maternal UPD. In one case, the marker had a smaller size and contained only the BP1-BP2 region. Fifteen patients presented with interstitial duplication. Four cases were inherited from phenotypically normal parents (3 maternal and 1 paternal). Phenotypic features were somewhat variable and 57% presented with autism. Twelve patients showed cerebral anomalies and 18 patients had an abnormal EEG with a typical, recognizable pattern of excessive diffuse rapid spikes in the waking record, similar to the pattern observed after benzodiazepine exposure. Duplication of paternally expressed genes MKRN3, MAGEL2 and NDN in two autistic patients without extra material of a neighboring region enhances their likelihood to be genes related to autism.
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Lukoshe A, White T, Schmidt MN, van der Lugt A, Hokken-Koelega AC. Divergent structural brain abnormalities between different genetic subtypes of children with Prader-Willi syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2013; 5:31. [PMID: 24144356 PMCID: PMC4015928 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-5-31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 10/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurogenetic disorder with symptoms that indicate not only hypothalamic, but also a global, central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. However, little is known about developmental differences in brain structure in children with PWS. Thus, our aim was to investigate global brain morphology in children with PWS, including the comparison between different genetic subtypes of PWS. In addition, we performed exploratory cortical and subcortical focal analyses. Methods High resolution structural magnetic resonance images were acquired in 20 children with genetically confirmed PWS (11 children carrying a deletion (DEL), 9 children with maternal uniparental disomy (mUPD)), and compared with 11 age- and gender-matched typically developing siblings as controls. Brain morphology measures were obtained using the FreeSurfer software suite. Results Both children with DEL and mUPD showed smaller brainstem volume, and a trend towards smaller cortical surface area and white matter volume. Children with mUPD had enlarged lateral ventricles and larger cortical cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) volume. Further, a trend towards increased cortical thickness was found in children with mUPD. Children with DEL had a smaller cerebellum, and smaller cortical and subcortical grey matter volumes. Focal analyses revealed smaller white matter volumes in left superior and bilateral inferior frontal gyri, right cingulate cortex, and bilateral precuneus areas associated with the default mode network (DMN) in children with mUPD. Conclusions Children with PWS show signs of impaired brain growth. Those with mUPD show signs of early brain atrophy. In contrast, children with DEL show signs of fundamentally arrested, although not deviant brain development and presented few signs of cortical atrophy. Our results of global brain measurements suggest divergent neurodevelopmental patterns in children with DEL and mUPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akvile Lukoshe
- Dutch Growth Research Foundation, Postbus 23068, Rotterdam 3001, KB, The Netherlands.
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Hall L, Kelley E. The contribution of epigenetics to understanding genetic factors in autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2013; 18:872-81. [PMID: 24126868 DOI: 10.1177/1362361313503501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a grouping of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by deficits in social communication and language, as well as by repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. While the environment is believed to play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorder, there is now strong evidence for a genetic link to autism. Despite such evidence, studies investigating a potential single-gene cause for autism, although insightful, have been highly inconclusive. A consideration of an epigenetic approach proves to be very promising in clarifying genetic factors involved in autism. The present article is intended to provide a review of key findings pertaining to epigenetics in autism in such a way that a broader audience of individuals who do not have a strong background in genetics may better understand this highly specific and scientific content. Epigenetics refers to non-permanent heritable changes that alter expression of genes without altering the DNA sequence itself and considers the role of environment in this modulation of gene expression. This review provides a brief description of epigenetic processes, highlights evidence in the literature of epigenetic dysregulation in autism, and makes use of noteworthy findings to illustrate how a consideration of epigenetic factors can deepen our understanding of the development of autism. Furthermore, this discussion will present a promising new way for moving forward in the investigation of genetic factors within autism.
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Rangasamy S, D’Mello SR, Narayanan V. Epigenetics, autism spectrum, and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neurotherapeutics 2013; 10:742-56. [PMID: 24104594 PMCID: PMC3805864 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-013-0227-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic marks are modifications of DNA and histones. They are considered to be permanent within a single cell during development, and are heritable across cell division. Programming of neurons through epigenetic mechanisms is believed to be critical in neural development. Disruption or alteration in this process causes an array of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Recent studies have provided evidence for an altered epigenetic landscape in ASDs and demonstrated the central role of epigenetic mechanisms in their pathogenesis. Many of the genes linked to the ASDs encode proteins that are involved in transcriptional regulation and chromatin remodeling. In this review we highlight selected neurodevelopmental disorders in which epigenetic dysregulation plays an important role. These include Rett syndrome, fragile X syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, Angelman syndrome, and Kabuki syndrome. For each of these disorders, we discuss how advances in our understanding of epigenetic mechanisms may lead to novel therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sampathkumar Rangasamy
- />Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
| | | | - Vinodh Narayanan
- />Developmental Neurogenetics Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
- />Developmental Neurogenetic Laboratory, Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, AZ 85013 USA
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Siniscalco D, Cirillo A, Bradstreet JJ, Antonucci N. Epigenetic findings in autism: new perspectives for therapy. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2013; 10:4261-73. [PMID: 24030655 PMCID: PMC3799534 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph10094261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2013] [Revised: 08/14/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are complex neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by dysfunctions in social interactions, communications, restricted interests, and repetitive stereotypic behaviors. Despite extensive genetic and biological research, significant controversy surrounds our understanding of the specific mechanisms of their pathogenesis. However, accumulating evidence points to the involvement of epigenetic modifications as foundational in creating ASD pathophysiology. Epigenetic modifications or the alteration of DNA transcription via variations in DNA methylation and histone modifications but without alterations in the DNA sequence, affect gene regulation. These alterations in gene expression, obtained through DNA methylation and/or histone modifications, result from transcriptional regulatory influences of environmental factors, such as nutritional deficiencies, various toxicants, immunological effects, and pharmaceuticals. As such these effects are epigenetic regulators which determine the final biochemistry and physiology of the individual. In contrast to psychopharmacological interventions, bettering our understanding of how these gene-environmental interactions create autistic symptoms should facilitate the development of therapeutic targeting of gene expression for ASD biomedical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Second University of Naples; via S. Maria di Costantinopoli, Napoli 16-80138, Italy
- Centre for Autism—La Forza del Silenzio, Caserta 81036, Italy
- Cancellautismo—Non-Profit Association for Autism Care, Florence 50132, Italy
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +39-0-81-566-5880; Fax: +39-0-81-566-7503
| | - Alessandra Cirillo
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council of Italy; Naples 80128, Italy; E-Mail:
| | | | - Nicola Antonucci
- Biomedical Centre for Autism Research and Treatment, Bari 70126, Italy; E-Mail:
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Yang L, Zhan GD, Ding JJ, Wang HJ, Ma D, Huang GY, Zhou WH. Psychiatric illness and intellectual disability in the Prader-Willi syndrome with different molecular defects--a meta analysis. PLoS One 2013; 8:e72640. [PMID: 23967326 PMCID: PMC3743792 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0072640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Several studies have suggested a difference in clinical features of intellectual ability and psychiatric illness in the Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) with the 15q11-q13 paternal deletion and maternal uniparental disomy (mUPD). Our objective was to appraise evidence on this association through a meta-analysis. METHODS The electronic records PubMed and EMBASE from 1956 to 2012 were extracted for meta-analysis. Meta-analyses were performed by using fixed effect model. Mean difference, odds ratio, and 95% confidence interval were calculated. RESULTS We retrieved a total of 744 PWS cases from 13 studies. These include 423 cases with paternal 15q11-q13 deletions and 318 cases of mUPD. Compare to the PWS cases with mUPD, PWS patients with the paternal 15q11-q13 deletion associated with significantly lower full scale IQ (FSIQ) [mean difference (MD), -2.69; 95%CI, -4.86 to -0.52; p=0.02] and verbal IQ (VIQ) (MD, -7.5; 95%CI, -9.75 to -5.26; p<0.00001) but higher performance IQ (PIQ) (MD, 4.02; 95%CI, 1.13 to 6.91; p=0.006). In contrast, PWS patients with mUPD are associated with significantly higher risk of psychiatric illness [odds rate (OR), 0.14; 95%CI, 0.08 to 0.23; p<0.00001] and higher risk of bipolar disorder (OR, 0.04; 95%CI, 0.01 to 0.23; p=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS Significant different clinical features of cognitive development and psychiatric illness are associated with PWS with different molecular defects. These findings provide support for evidence based practice to evaluate and manage the PWS syndrome with different molecular defects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Yang
- Children’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-dong Zhan
- Children’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-jie Ding
- Children’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-jun Wang
- Children’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Duan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Wen-hao Zhou
- Children’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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