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Serrano-Juárez CA, Prieto-Corona B, Rodríguez-Camacho M, Sandoval-Lira L, Villalva-Sánchez ÁF, Yáñez-Téllez MG, López MFR. Neuropsychological Genotype-Phenotype in Patients with Williams Syndrome with Atypical Deletions: A Systematic Review. Neuropsychol Rev 2023; 33:891-911. [PMID: 36520254 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-022-09571-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a microdeletion in the q11.23 region of chromosome 7. Recent case series reports and clinical case studies have suggested that the cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and social profile in WS could depend on the genes involved in the deletion. The objective of this systematic review was to analyze and synthesize the variability of the cognitive and behavioral profile of WS with atypical deletion and its probable relationship with the affected genes. The medical subject headings searched were "Williams syndrome," "genotype," "phenotype," "cognitive profile," and "atypical deletion." The studies included were in English or Spanish, with children and adults, and published between January 2000 and October 2022. Twenty-three studies are reported. The characteristics of the participants, the genes involved, the neuropsychological domains and instruments, and the prevalence of the WS cognitive profile criteria were used for the genotype-phenotype analysis. The genes with a major impact on the cognitive profile of WS were (a) LIMK1 and those belonging to the GTF2I family, the former with a greater influence on visuospatial abilities; (b) GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I, which have an impact on intellectual capacity as well as on visuospatial and social skills; (c) FZD9, BAZ1B, STX1A, and CLIP2, which influence the cognitive profile if other genes are also effected; and (d) GTF2IRD2, which is related to the severity of the effect on visuospatial and social skills, producing a behavioral phenotype like that of the autism spectrum. The review revealed four neuropsychological phenotypes, depending on the genes involved, and established the need for more comprehensive study of the neuropsychological profile of these patients. Based on the results found, we propose a model for the investigation of and clinical approach to the WS neuropsychological phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Alberto Serrano-Juárez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Belén Prieto-Corona
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México.
| | - Mario Rodríguez-Camacho
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Lucero Sandoval-Lira
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Ángel Fernando Villalva-Sánchez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
| | - Ma Guillermina Yáñez-Téllez
- Neuroscience Group. Laboratorio de Neurometría, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Av. De los Barrios #1, Col. Los Reyes Iztacala, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, CP 54090, México
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Miezah D, Porter M, Rossi A, Kazzi C, Batchelor J, Reeve J. Cognitive profile of young children with Williams syndrome. JOURNAL OF INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY RESEARCH : JIDR 2021; 65:784-794. [PMID: 34096129 DOI: 10.1111/jir.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is very little research on the cognitive profile of young children with Williams syndrome (WS). METHOD The present study utilised the Differential Ability Scales - Second Edition to examine the early cognitive abilities of 22 young children with WS (aged 3.98 to 7.70 years, 10 male and 12 female participants). RESULTS Overall, IQ ranged from 38 (severely impaired) to 81.00 (low average). Consistent with Mervis et al. who looked at an older sample, over half (59.08%) of our young WS sample showed a significant and abnormal weakness in spatial ability relative to verbal ability. Moreover, 81.82% showed a significant and clinically unusual weakness in spatial ability relative to nonverbal reasoning ability. At the subtest level, only 4.55% of our sample showed a significant strength in naming vocabulary compared with verbal comprehension, while 13.64% showed a significant weakness in naming vocabulary relative to verbal comprehension. CONCLUSIONS The results of the present study show cognitive heterogeneity, consistent with the literature on older children and adults with WS. There were variable levels of intellect and variable patterns of cognitive strength and weakness across both index and subtest scores. Findings highlight the need for individual assessment and management of young children with WS but also indicate that for the majority of WS individuals spatial skills are indeed an area of significant and abnormal weakness and should be a focus for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Miezah
- Psychology Department, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M Porter
- Psychology Department, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Rossi
- Psychology Department, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - C Kazzi
- Psychology Department, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Batchelor
- Psychology Department, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Reeve
- Psychology Department, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Kozel BA, Barak B, Ae Kim C, Mervis CB, Osborne LR, Porter M, Pober BR. Williams syndrome. Nat Rev Dis Primers 2021; 7:42. [PMID: 34140529 PMCID: PMC9437774 DOI: 10.1038/s41572-021-00276-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a relatively rare microdeletion disorder that occurs in as many as 1:7,500 individuals. WS arises due to the mispairing of low-copy DNA repetitive elements at meiosis. The deletion size is similar across most individuals with WS and leads to the loss of one copy of 25-27 genes on chromosome 7q11.23. The resulting unique disorder affects multiple systems, with cardinal features including but not limited to cardiovascular disease (characteristically stenosis of the great arteries and most notably supravalvar aortic stenosis), a distinctive craniofacial appearance, and a specific cognitive and behavioural profile that includes intellectual disability and hypersociability. Genotype-phenotype evidence is strongest for ELN, the gene encoding elastin, which is responsible for the vascular and connective tissue features of WS, and for the transcription factor genes GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, which are known to affect intellectual ability, social functioning and anxiety. Mounting evidence also ascribes phenotypic consequences to the deletion of BAZ1B, LIMK1, STX1A and MLXIPL, but more work is needed to understand the mechanism by which these deletions contribute to clinical outcomes. The age of diagnosis has fallen in regions of the world where technological advances, such as chromosomal microarray, enable clinicians to make the diagnosis of WS without formally suspecting it, allowing earlier intervention by medical and developmental specialists. Phenotypic variability is considerable for all cardinal features of WS but the specific sources of this variability remain unknown. Further investigation to identify the factors responsible for these differences may lead to mechanism-based rather than symptom-based therapies and should therefore be a high research priority.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth A. Kozel
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Boaz Barak
- The Sagol School of Neuroscience and The School of Psychological Sciences, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolyn B. Mervis
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Louisville, Louisville, USA
| | - Lucy R. Osborne
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Melanie Porter
- Department of Psychology, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Barbara R. Pober
- Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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Royston R, Oliver C, Howlin P, Waite J. Anxiety characteristics in individuals with Williams syndrome. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN INTELLECTUAL DISABILITIES 2021; 34:1098-1107. [PMID: 33561900 DOI: 10.1111/jar.12864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Williams syndrome anxiety research predominantly focuses on disorder prevalence and symptomatology, categorised using standardised mental health classifications. However, the use of these assessments may not fully capture the phenotypic features of anxiety in Williams syndrome. In this study, we examined characteristics of anxiety using a formulation framework. METHOD A semi-structured interview was conducted with thirteen parents of individuals with Williams syndrome (median age: 19, age range: 12-45, 8 females). RESULTS Various anxiety triggers were reported, including anxiety triggered by phobias, uncertainty and negative emotions in others. The range of described behaviours was diverse with both avoidant and active coping strategies for anxiety management reported. CONCLUSIONS Many of the characteristics described were consistent with findings in the intellectual disability and typically developing literature, although novel information was identified. The study demonstrates the utility of a formulation framework to explore anxiety characteristics in atypical populations and has outlined new avenues for research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jane Waite
- University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
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Miezah D, Porter M, Batchelor J, Boulton K, Campos Veloso G. Cognitive abilities in Williams syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 104:103701. [PMID: 32554266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2020.103701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The current study utilized a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery to investigate cognitive abilities in a sample of 49 WS individuals (25 male) aged 6-39 years. Age effects were also investigated by splitting the sample into child and adult groups. Cognitive heterogeneity was found on the Woodcock Johnson III Tests of Cognitive Abilities, Australian Adaptation (WJ-III COG) (Woodcock, McGrew, & Mather, 2001), with cognitive abilities ranging from profoundly impaired to superior and individualized profiles of strength and weakness varying considerably. Overall, findings supported previous research showing strengths in auditory processing and phonemic awareness. The weakest performance, on average, was in processing speed, attention, delayed associative learning and executive functioning capabilities. Visual-spatial functioning was not a weakness overall, neither was nonverbal reasoning. Chronological age did not relate significantly to cognitive abilities. Findings highlight the need for individual assessment and management of WS individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Miezah
- Psychology Department, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Melanie Porter
- Psychology Department, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia.
| | | | - Kelsie Boulton
- Psychology Department, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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Kopp N, McCullough K, Maloney SE, Dougherty JD. Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1 mutation do not account for the full phenotypic effect of the Williams syndrome critical region in mouse models. Hum Mol Genet 2020; 28:3443-3465. [PMID: 31418010 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddz176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a 1.5-1.8 Mbp deletion on chromosome 7q11.23, affecting the copy number of 26-28 genes. Phenotypes of WS include cardiovascular problems, craniofacial dysmorphology, deficits in visual-spatial cognition and a characteristic hypersocial personality. There are still no genes in the region that have been consistently linked to the cognitive and behavioral phenotypes, although human studies and mouse models have led to the current hypothesis that the general transcription factor 2 I family of genes, GTF2I and GTF2IRD1, are responsible. Here we test the hypothesis that these two transcription factors are sufficient to reproduce the phenotypes that are caused by deletion of the WS critical region (WSCR). We compare a new mouse model with loss of function mutations in both Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1 to an established mouse model lacking the complete WSCR. We show that the complete deletion (CD) model has deficits across several behavioral domains including social communication, motor functioning and conditioned fear that are not explained by loss of function mutations in Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1. Furthermore, transcriptome profiling of the hippocampus shows changes in synaptic genes in the CD model that are not seen in the double mutants. Thus, we have thoroughly defined a set of molecular and behavioral consequences of complete WSCR deletion and shown that genes or combinations of genes beyond Gtf2i and Gtf2ird1 are necessary to produce these phenotypic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Kopp
- Department of Genetics.,Department of Psychiatry
| | | | - Susan E Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry.,Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Genetics.,Department of Psychiatry.,Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Yuan Z, Chen P, Zhang T, Shen B, Chen L. Agenesis and Hypomyelination of Corpus Callosum in Mice Lacking Nsun5, an RNA Methyltransferase. Cells 2019; 8:cells8060552. [PMID: 31174389 PMCID: PMC6627898 DOI: 10.3390/cells8060552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Revised: 06/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is caused by microdeletions of 28 genes and is characterized by cognitive disorder and hypotrophic corpus callosum (CC). Nsun5 gene, which encodes cytosine-5 RNA methyltransferase, is located in the deletion loci of WBS. We have reported that single-gene knockout of Nsun5 (Nsun5-KO) in mice impairs spatial cognition. Herein, we report that postnatal day (PND) 60 Nsun5-KO mice showed the volumetric reduction of CC with a decline in the number of myelinated axons and loose myelin sheath. Nsun5 was highly expressed in callosal oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) and oligodendrocytes (OLs) from PND7 to PND28. The numbers of OPCs and OLs in CC of PND7-28 Nsun5-KO mice were significantly reduced compared to wild-type littermates. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses of myelin basic protein (MBP) showed the hypomyelination in the CC of PND28 Nsun5-KO mice. The Nsun5 deletion suppressed the proliferation of OPCs but did not affect transition of radial glial cells into OPCs or cell cycle exit of OPCs. The protein levels, rather than transcriptional levels, of CDK1, CDK2 and Cdc42 in the CC of PND7 and PND14 Nsun5-KO mice were reduced. These findings point to the involvement of Nsun5 deletion in agenesis of CC observed in WBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Peipei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Tingting Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Bin Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
- Department of Physiology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
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Cognitive, Behavioral, and Adaptive Profiles in Williams Syndrome With and Without Loss of GTF2IRD2. J Int Neuropsychol Soc 2018; 24:896-904. [PMID: 30375319 DOI: 10.1017/s1355617718000711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Williams syndrome (WS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that results from a heterozygous microdeletion on chromosome 7q11.23. Most of the time, the affected region contains ~1.5 Mb of sequence encoding approximately 24 genes. Some 5-8% of patients with WS have a deletion exceeding 1.8 Mb, thereby affecting two additional genes, including GTF2IRD2. Currently, there is no consensus regarding the implications of GTF2IRD2 loss for the neuropsychological phenotype of WS patients. OBJECTIVES The present study aimed to identify the role of GTF2IRD2 in the cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive profile of WS patients. METHODS Twelve patients diagnosed with WS participated, four with GTF2IRD2 deletion (atypical WS group), and eight without this deletion (typical WS group). The age range of both groups was 7-18 years old. Each patient's 7q11.23 deletion scope was determined by chromosomal microarray analysis. Cognitive, behavioral, and adaptive abilities were assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tests. RESULTS Compared with the typical WS group, the atypical WS patients with GTF2IRD2 deletion had more impaired visuospatial abilities and more significant behavioral problems, mainly related to the construct of social cognition. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide new evidence regarding the influence of the GTF2IRD2 gene on the severity of behavioral symptoms of WS related to social cognition and certain visuospatial abilities. (JINS, 2018, 24, 896-904).
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Ghaffari M, Tahmasebi Birgani M, Kariminejad R, Saberi A. Genotype–phenotype correlation and the size of microdeletion or microduplication of 7q11.23 region in patients with Williams‐Beuren syndrome. Ann Hum Genet 2018; 82:469-476. [DOI: 10.1111/ahg.12278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Revised: 03/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Ghaffari
- Departement of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | - Maryam Tahmasebi Birgani
- Departement of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
| | | | - Alihossein Saberi
- Departement of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences Ahvaz Iran
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Hussein IR, Magbooli A, Huwait E, Chaudhary A, Bader R, Gari M, Ashgan F, Alquaiti M, Abuzenadah A, AlQahtani M. Genome wide array-CGH and qPCR analysis for the identification of genome defects in Williams' syndrome patients in Saudi Arabia. Mol Cytogenet 2016; 9:65. [PMID: 27525043 PMCID: PMC4981984 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-016-0266-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by dysmorphic features, cardiovascular defects, cognitive deficits and developmental delay. WBS is caused by a segmental aneuploidy of chromosome 7 due to heterozygous deletion of contiguous genes at the long arm of chromosome 7q11.23. We aimed to apply array-CGH technique for the detection of copy number variants in suspected WBS patients and to determine the size of the deleted segment at chromosome 7q11.23 in correlation with the phenotype. The study included 24 patients referred to the CEGMR with the provisional diagnosis of WBS and 8 parents. The patients were subjected to conventional Cytogenetic (G-banding) analysis, Molecular Cytogenetic (Fluorescent In-Situ Hybridization), array-based Comparative Genomic Hybridization (array-CGH) and quantitative Real time PCR (qPCR) Techniques. Results No deletions were detected by Karyotyping, however, one patient showed unbalanced translocation between chromosome 18 and 19, the karyotype was 45,XX, der(19) t(18;19)(q11.1;p13.3)-18. FISH technique could detect microdeletion in chromosome 7q11.23 in 10/24 patients. Array-CGH and qPCR confirmed the deletion in all samples, and could detect duplication of 7q11.23 in three patients and two parents. Furthermore, the size of the deletion could be detected accurately by both array-CGH and qPCR techniques. Three patients not showing the 7q11.23 deletion were diagnosed by array-CGH to have deletion in chr9p13.1-p11.2, chr18p11.32-p11.21 and chr1p36.13. Conclusion Both FISH and array-CGH are reliable methods for the diagnosis of WBS; however, array-CGH has the advantage of detection of genome deletions/ duplications that cannot otherwise be detected by conventional cytogenetic techniques. Array-CGH and qPCR are useful for detection of deletion sizes and prediction of the interrupted genes and their impact on the disease phenotype. Further investigations are needed for studying the impact of deletion sizes and function of the deleted genes on chromosome 7q11.23. Trial registration ISRCTN ISRCTN73824458. MOCY-D-16-00041R1. Registered 28 September 2014. Retrospectively registered.
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Affiliation(s)
- I R Hussein
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 KSA Saudi Arabia
| | - A Magbooli
- Diagnostic Genomic Medicine Unit (DGMU), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA Saudi Arabia
| | - E Huwait
- Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA Saudi Arabia
| | - A Chaudhary
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 KSA Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA Saudi Arabia
| | - R Bader
- Pediatric Cardiology Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA Saudi Arabia
| | - M Gari
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 KSA Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA Saudi Arabia
| | - F Ashgan
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 KSA Saudi Arabia
| | - M Alquaiti
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 KSA Saudi Arabia
| | - A Abuzenadah
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 KSA Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA Saudi Arabia
| | - M AlQahtani
- Centre of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research (CEGMR), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 KSA Saudi Arabia.,Diagnostic Genomic Medicine Unit (DGMU), King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA Saudi Arabia.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, KSA Saudi Arabia
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Barro M, Sanogo B, Kissou AS, Ouattara ABI, Nacro B. Diagnostic Path of a Genetic Disease: A Case of Williams-Beuren Syndrome in Burkina Faso. Pediatr Rep 2015; 7:5817. [PMID: 26734123 PMCID: PMC4689988 DOI: 10.4081/pr.2015.5817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a set of somatic, psychological, and behavioral abnormalities, which is caused by a deletion of several genes. Herein we report a 6 year-old boy, who presented with mental retardation and psychological disorders. The result of the first clinical examination was poor, since it didn't detect any dysmorphic feature which is a major component for the clinical diagnosis of WBS. Despite the multidisciplinary and the multicenter approaches used, the diagnosis of WBS (deletion of chromosome band 7q11. 23) was established more than 3 years after the first medical consultation. Rare partial forms of WBS have been recently described and they are both clinically and genetically difficult to diagnose. Unfortunately, this disorder is still little known by health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoura Barro
- Department of Pediatrics, Souro Sanou Teaching Hospital , Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Bintou Sanogo
- Department of Pediatrics, Souro Sanou Teaching Hospital , Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | - Aimée S Kissou
- Department of Pediatrics, Souro Sanou Teaching Hospital , Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Boubacar Nacro
- Department of Pediatrics, Souro Sanou Teaching Hospital , Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso
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Cuberos H, Vallée B, Vourc'h P, Tastet J, Andres CR, Bénédetti H. Roles of LIM kinases in central nervous system function and dysfunction. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:3795-806. [PMID: 26545494 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) and LIM kinase 2 (LIMK2) regulate actin dynamics by phosphorylating cofilin. In this review, we outline studies that have shown an involvement of LIMKs in neuronal function and we detail some of the pathways and molecular mechanisms involving LIMKs in neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. We also review the involvement of LIMKs in neuronal diseases and emphasize the differences in the regulation of LIMKs expression and mode of action. We finally present the existence of a cofilin-independent pathway also involved in neuronal function. A better understanding of the differences between both LIMKs and of the precise molecular mechanisms involved in their mode of action and regulation is now required to improve our understanding of the physiopathology of the neuronal diseases associated with LIMKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Cuberos
- CNRS UPR 4301, CBM, Orléans, France; UMR INSERM U930, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France
| | - B Vallée
- CNRS UPR 4301, CBM, Orléans, France
| | - P Vourc'h
- UMR INSERM U930, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France; CHRU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
| | - J Tastet
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - C R Andres
- UMR INSERM U930, Université François-Rabelais, Tours, France; CHRU de Tours, Service de Biochimie et de Biologie Moléculaire, Tours, France
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Dutra RL, Piazzon FB, Zanardo ÉA, Costa TVMM, Montenegro MM, Novo-Filho GM, Dias AT, Nascimento AM, Kim CA, Kulikowski LD. Rare genomic rearrangement in a boy with Williams-Beuren syndrome associated to XYY syndrome and intriguing behavior. Am J Med Genet A 2015; 167A:3197-203. [PMID: 26420477 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is caused by a hemizygous contiguous gene microdeletion of 1.55-1.84 Mb at 7q11.23 region. Approximately, 28 genes have been shown to contribute to classical phenotype of SWB with presence of dysmorphic facial features, supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), intellectual disability, and overfriendliness. With the use of Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization and other molecular cytogenetic techniques, is possible define with more accuracy partial or atypical deletion and refine the genotype-phenotype correlation. Here, we report on a rare genomic structural rearrangement in a boy with atypical deletion in 7q11.23 and XYY syndrome with characteristic clinical signs, but not sufficient for the diagnosis of WBS. Cytogenetic analysis of G-banding showed a karyotype 47,XYY. Analysis of DNA with the technique of MLPA (Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification) using kits a combination of kits (P064, P036, P070, and P029) identified an atypical deletion on 7q11.23. In addition, high resolution SNP Oligonucleotide Microarray Analysis (SNP-array) confirmed the alterations found by MLPA and revealed others pathogenic CNVs, in the chromosomes 7 and X. The present report demonstrates an association not yet described in literature, between Williams-Beuren syndrome and 47,XYY. The identification of atypical deletion in 7q11.23 concomitant to additional pathogenic CNVs in others genomic regions allows a better comprehension of clinical consequences of atypical genomic rearrangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Dutra
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flavia B Piazzon
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Évelin A Zanardo
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Marília M Montenegro
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gil M Novo-Filho
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre T Dias
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amom M Nascimento
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chong Ae Kim
- Genetics Unit, Instituto da Criança, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leslie D Kulikowski
- Department of Pathology, Cytogenomics Lab - LIM03, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Collective Health - Human Reproduction and Genetics Center, Faculdade de Medicina do ABC, Santo André, São Paulo, Brazil
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Karmiloff-Smith A. Ontogeny, Genetics, and Evolution: A Perspective from Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1162/biot.2006.1.1.44] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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15
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Broadbent H, Farran EK, Chin E, Metcalfe K, Tassabehji M, Turnpenny P, Sansbury F, Meaburn E, Karmiloff-Smith A. Genetic contributions to visuospatial cognition in Williams syndrome: insights from two contrasting partial deletion patients. J Neurodev Disord 2014; 6:18. [PMID: 25057328 PMCID: PMC4107613 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-6-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Williams syndrome (WS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder arising from a hemizygotic deletion of approximately 27 genes on chromosome 7, at locus 7q11.23. WS is characterised by an uneven cognitive profile, with serious deficits in visuospatial tasks in comparison to relatively proficient performance in some other cognitive domains such as language and face processing. Individuals with partial genetic deletions within the WS critical region (WSCR) have provided insights into the contribution of specific genes to this complex phenotype. However, the combinatorial effects of different genes remain elusive. Methods We report on visuospatial cognition in two individuals with contrasting partial deletions in the WSCR: one female (HR), aged 11 years 9 months, with haploinsufficiency for 24 of the WS genes (up to GTF2IRD1), and one male (JB), aged 14 years 2 months, with the three most telomeric genes within the WSCR deleted, or partially deleted. Results Our in-depth phenotyping of the visuospatial domain from table-top psychometric, and small- and large-scale experimental tasks reveal a profile in HR in line with typically developing controls, albeit with some atypical features. These data are contrasted with patient JB’s atypical profile of strengths and weaknesses across the visuospatial domain, as well as with more substantial visuospatial deficits in individuals with the full WS deletion. Conclusions Our findings point to the contribution of specific genes to spatial processing difficulties associated with WS, highlighting the multifaceted nature of spatial cognition and the divergent effects of genetic deletions within the WSCR on different components of visuospatial ability. The importance of general transcription factors at the telomeric end of the WSCR, and their combinatorial effects on the WS visuospatial phenotype are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emily K Farran
- Institute of Education, University of London, London, UK
| | - Esther Chin
- Birkbeck Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, University of London, London, UK
| | - Kay Metcalfe
- Genetic Medicine, St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Peter Turnpenny
- Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK ; Penninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, UK
| | - Francis Sansbury
- Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK ; Penninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Universities of Exeter and Plymouth, Exeter, UK
| | - Emma Meaburn
- Birkbeck Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, University of London, London, UK
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Euteneuer J, Carvalho CMB, Kulkarni S, Vineyard M, Grady RM, Lupski JR, Shinawi M. Molecular and phenotypic characterization of atypical Williams-Beuren syndrome. Clin Genet 2013; 86:487-91. [PMID: 24246242 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2013] [Revised: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystemic genomic disorder typically caused by a recurrent ˜1.5-1.8 Mb deletion on 7q11.23. Atypical deletions can provide important insight into the genotype-phenotype correlations. Here, we report the phenotypic and molecular characterization of a girl with a de novo 81.8 kb deletion in the WBS critical region, which involves the ELN and LIMK1 genes only. The patient presented at 2 months of age with extensive vascular abnormalities, mild facial dysmorphism and delays in her fine motor skills. We discuss potential molecular mechanisms and the role of ELN and LIMK1 in the different phenotypic features. We compare the findings in our patient with previously reported overlapping deletions. The phenotypic variability among these patients suggests that other factors are important in the phenotype and possibly include: position effects related to copy number variation size, variations in the non-deleted alleles, genetic modifiers elsewhere in the genome, or reduced penetrance for specific phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Euteneuer
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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17
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Smaller and larger deletions of the Williams Beuren syndrome region implicate genes involved in mild facial phenotype, epilepsy and autistic traits. Eur J Hum Genet 2013; 22:64-70. [PMID: 23756441 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2013.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2012] [Revised: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/10/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Williams Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a multisystemic disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion of 1.5 Mb on chromosome 7q11.23 spanning 28 genes. A few patients with larger and smaller WBS deletion have been reported. They show clinical features that vary between isolated SVAS to the full spectrum of WBS phenotype, associated with epilepsy or autism spectrum behavior. Here we describe four patients with atypical WBS 7q11.23 deletions. Two carry ~3.5 Mb larger deletion towards the telomere that includes Huntingtin-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) and tyrosine 3-monooxygenase/tryptophan 5-monooxigenase activation protein gamma (YWHAG) genes. Other two carry a shorter deletion of ~1.2 Mb at centromeric side that excludes the distal WBS genes BAZ1B and FZD9. Along with previously reported cases, genotype-phenotype correlation in the patients described here further suggests that haploinsufficiency of HIP1 and YWHAG might cause the severe neurological and neuropsychological deficits including epilepsy and autistic traits, and that the preservation of BAZ1B and FZD9 genes may be related to mild facial features and moderate neuropsychological deficits. This report highlights the importance to characterize additional patients with 7q11.23 atypical deletions comparing neuropsychological and clinical features between these individuals to shed light on the pathogenic role of genes within and flanking the WBS region.
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19
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Karmiloff-Smith A. Challenging the use of adult neuropsychological models for explaining neurodevelopmental disorders: developed versus developing brains. Q J Exp Psychol (Hove) 2012; 66:1-14. [PMID: 23173948 DOI: 10.1080/17470218.2012.744424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, I contrast approaches from adult neuropsychology that seek selective, domain-specific deficits with approaches aimed at understanding the dynamics of developmental trajectories in children with genetic disorders. I stress the crucial difference between developed brains damaged in their mature state, and atypically developing brains. I also challenge the search for single genes to explain selective cognitive-level outcomes. Throughout, the paper argues that it is critical to trace cognitive-level deficits back to their basic-level processes in infancy, where genes are likely to exert their early influences, if we are to understand both the impairments and proficiencies displayed in children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Widagdo J, Taylor KM, Gunning PW, Hardeman EC, Palmer SJ. SUMOylation of GTF2IRD1 regulates protein partner interactions and ubiquitin-mediated degradation. PLoS One 2012; 7:e49283. [PMID: 23145142 PMCID: PMC3493543 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0049283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Accepted: 10/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
GTF2IRD1 is one of the genes implicated in Williams-Beuren syndrome, a disease caused by haploinsufficiency of certain dosage-sensitive genes within a hemizygous microdeletion of chromosome 7. GTF2IRD1 is a prime candidate for some of the major features of the disease, presumably caused by abnormally reduced abundance of this putative transcriptional repressor protein. GTF2IRD1 has been shown to interact with the E3 SUMO ligase PIASxβ, but the significance of this relationship is largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that GTF2IRD1 can be SUMOylated by the SUMO E2 ligase UBC9 and the level of SUMOylation is enhanced by PIASxβ. A major SUMOylation site was mapped to lysine 495 within a conserved SUMO consensus motif. SUMOylation of GTF2IRD1 alters the affinity of the protein for binding partners that contain SUMO-interacting motifs, including a novel family member of the HDAC repressor complex, ZMYM5, and PIASxβ itself. In addition, we show that GTF2IRD1 is targeted for ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Cross regulation by SUMOylation modulates this process, thus potentially regulating the level of GTF2IRD1 protein in the cell. These findings, concerning post-translational control over the activity and stability of GTF2IRD1, together with previous work showing how GTF2IRD1 directly regulates its own transcription levels suggest an evolutionary requirement for fine control over GTF2IRD1 activity in the cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jocelyn Widagdo
- Neuromuscular and Regenerative Medicine Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kylie M. Taylor
- Neuromuscular and Regenerative Medicine Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter W. Gunning
- Oncology Research Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Edna C. Hardeman
- Neuromuscular and Regenerative Medicine Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stephen J. Palmer
- Neuromuscular and Regenerative Medicine Unit, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- * E-mail:
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21
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Anxious, hypoactive phenotype combined with motor deficits in Gtf2ird1 null mouse model relevant to Williams syndrome. Behav Brain Res 2012; 233:458-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2012.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2012] [Revised: 05/03/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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22
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Atypical deletion in Williams-Beuren syndrome critical region detected by MLPA in a patient with supravalvular aortic stenosis and learning difficulty. J Genet Genomics 2012; 39:571-4. [PMID: 23089367 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgg.2012.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Revised: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/09/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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23
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Karmiloff-Smith A, Broadbent H, Farran EK, Longhi E, D’Souza D, Metcalfe K, Tassabehji M, Wu R, Senju A, Happé F, Turnpenny P, Sansbury F. Social cognition in williams syndrome: genotype/phenotype insights from partial deletion patients. Front Psychol 2012; 3:168. [PMID: 22661963 PMCID: PMC3362742 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2012.00168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identifying genotype/phenotype relations in human social cognition has been enhanced by the study of Williams syndrome (WS). Indeed, individuals with WS present with a particularly strong social drive, and researchers have sought to link deleted genes in the WS critical region (WSCR) of chromosome 7q11.23 to this unusual social profile. In this paper, we provide details of two case studies of children with partial genetic deletions in the WSCR: an 11-year-old female with a deletion of 24 of the 28 WS genes, and a 14-year-old male who presents with the opposite profile, i.e., the deletion of only four genes at the telomeric end of the WSCR. We tested these two children on a large battery of standardized and experimental social perception and social cognition tasks - both implicit and explicit - as well as standardized social questionnaires and general psychometric measures. Our findings reveal a partial WS socio-cognitive profile in the female, contrasted with a more autistic-like profile in the male. We discuss the implications of these findings for genotype/phenotype relations, as well as the advantages and limitations of animal models and of case study approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Longhi
- Psychology Department, Milan-Bicocca University and Oxford UniversityMilan, Italy
| | - Dean D’Souza
- Birkbeck Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, University of LondonLondon, UK
| | - Kay Metcalfe
- Genetic Medicine, St. Mary’s HospitalManchester, UK
| | | | - Rachel Wu
- Birkbeck Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, University of LondonLondon, UK
| | - Atsushi Senju
- Birkbeck Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, University of LondonLondon, UK
| | | | - Peter Turnpenny
- Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation TrustExeter, UK
- Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Universities of Exeter and PlymouthExeter, UK
| | - Francis Sansbury
- Royal Devon and Exeter Foundation TrustExeter, UK
- Peninsula College of Medicine and Dentistry, Universities of Exeter and PlymouthExeter, UK
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Dutra RL, Honjo RS, Kulikowski LD, Fonseca FM, Pieri PC, Jehee FS, Bertola DR, Kim CA. Copy number variation in Williams-Beuren syndrome: suitable diagnostic strategy for developing countries. BMC Res Notes 2012; 5:13. [PMID: 22226172 PMCID: PMC3285034 DOI: 10.1186/1756-0500-5-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2011] [Accepted: 01/09/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS; OMIM 194050) is caused by a hemizygous contiguous gene microdeletion at 7q11.23. Supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS), mental retardation, and overfriendliness comprise typical symptoms of WBS. Although fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is considered the gold standard technique, the microsatellite DNA markers and multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) could be used for to confirm the diagnosis of WBS. Results We have evaluated a total cohort of 88 patients with a suspicion clinical diagnosis of WBS using a collection of five markers (D7S1870, D7S489, D7S613, D7S2476, and D7S489_A) and a commercial MLPA kit (P029). The microdeletion was present in 64 (72.7%) patients and absent in 24 (27.3%) patients. The parental origin of deletion was maternal in 36 of 64 patients (56.3%) paternal in 28 of 64 patients (43.7%). The deletion size was 1.55 Mb in 57 of 64 patients (89.1%) and 1.84 Mb in 7 of 64 patients (10.9%). The results were concordant using both techniques, except for four patients whose microsatellite markers were uninformative. There were no clinical differences in relation to either the size or parental origin of the deletion. Conclusion MLPA was considered a faster and more economical method in a single assay, whereas the microsatellite markers could determine both the size and parental origin of the deletion in WBS. The microsatellite marker and MLPA techniques are effective in deletion detection in WBS, and both methods provide a useful diagnostic strategy mainly for developing countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Dutra
- Department of Genetics, Instituto da Criança, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Mutation of Gtf2ird1 from the Williams-Beuren syndrome critical region results in facial dysplasia, motor dysfunction, and altered vocalisations. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 45:913-22. [PMID: 22198572 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficiency of the transcriptional regulator GTF2IRD1 has become a strong potential explanation for some of the major characteristic features of the neurodevelopmental disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). Genotype/phenotype correlations in humans indicate that the hemizygous loss of the GTF2IRD1 gene and an adjacent paralogue, GTF2I, play crucial roles in the neurocognitive and craniofacial aspects of the disease. In order to explore this genetic relationship in greater detail, we have generated a targeted Gtf2ird1 mutation in mice that blocks normal GTF2IRD1 protein production. Detailed analyses of homozygous null Gtf2ird1 mice have revealed a series of phenotypes that share some intriguing parallels with WBS. These include reduced body weight, a facial deformity resulting from localised epidermal hyperplasia, a motor coordination deficit, alterations in exploratory activity and, in response to specific stress-inducing stimuli; a novel audible vocalisation and increased serum corticosterone. Analysis of Gtf2ird1 expression patterns in the brain using a knock-in LacZ reporter and c-fos activity mapping illustrates the regions where these neurological abnormalities may originate. These data provide new mechanistic insight into the clinical genetic findings in WBS patients and indicate that insufficiency of GTF2IRD1 protein contributes to abnormalities of facial development, motor function and specific behavioural disorders that accompany this disease.
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Henrichsen CN, Csárdi G, Zabot MT, Fusco C, Bergmann S, Merla G, Reymond A. Using transcription modules to identify expression clusters perturbed in Williams-Beuren syndrome. PLoS Comput Biol 2011; 7:e1001054. [PMID: 21304579 PMCID: PMC3024257 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1001054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The genetic dissection of the phenotypes associated with Williams-Beuren Syndrome (WBS) is advancing thanks to the study of individuals carrying typical or atypical structural rearrangements, as well as in vitro and animal studies. However, little is known about the global dysregulations caused by the WBS deletion. We profiled the transcriptomes of skin fibroblasts from WBS patients and compared them to matched controls. We identified 868 differentially expressed genes that were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix genes, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes, as well as genes in which the products localize to the postsynaptic membrane. We then used public expression datasets from human fibroblasts to establish transcription modules, sets of genes coexpressed in this cell type. We identified those sets in which the average gene expression was altered in WBS samples. Dysregulated modules are often interconnected and share multiple common genes, suggesting that intricate regulatory networks connected by a few central genes are disturbed in WBS. This modular approach increases the power to identify pathways dysregulated in WBS patients, thus providing a testable set of additional candidates for genes and their interactions that modulate the WBS phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Gábor Csárdi
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Marie-Thérèse Zabot
- Centre de Biotechnologie Cellulaire, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Groupement Hospitalier Est, Bron, France
| | - Carmela Fusco
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, IRCCS- Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Sven Bergmann
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (AR); (GM); (SB)
| | - Giuseppe Merla
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, IRCCS- Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
- * E-mail: (AR); (GM); (SB)
| | - Alexandre Reymond
- The Center for Integrative Genomics, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail: (AR); (GM); (SB)
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Tavano A, Gagliardi C, Martelli S, Borgatti R. Neurological soft signs feature a double dissociation within the language system in Williams syndrome. Neuropsychologia 2010; 48:3298-304. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2010.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2009] [Revised: 07/06/2010] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Merla G, Brunetti-Pierri N, Micale L, Fusco C. Copy number variants at Williams–Beuren syndrome 7q11.23 region. Hum Genet 2010; 128:3-26. [DOI: 10.1007/s00439-010-0827-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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29
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Ferrero GB, Howald C, Micale L, Biamino E, Augello B, Fusco C, Turturo MG, Forzano S, Reymond A, Merla G. An atypical 7q11.23 deletion in a normal IQ Williams-Beuren syndrome patient. Eur J Hum Genet 2010; 18:33-8. [PMID: 19568270 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2009.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS; OMIM no. 194050) is a multisystemic neurodevelopmental disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion of 1.55 Mb on chromosome 7q11.23 spanning 28 genes. Haploinsufficiency of the ELN gene was shown to be responsible for supravalvular aortic stenosis and generalized arteriopathy, whereas LIMK1, CLIP2, GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I genes were suggested to be linked to the specific cognitive profile and craniofacial features. These insights for genotype-phenotype correlations came from the molecular and clinical analysis of patients with atypical deletions and mice models. Here we report a patient showing mild WBS physical phenotype and normal IQ, who carries a shorter 1 Mb atypical deletion. This rearrangement does not include the GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I genes and only partially the BAZ1B gene. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that hemizygosity of the GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I genes might be involved in the facial dysmorphisms and in the specific motor and cognitive deficits observed in WBS patients.
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30
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Palmer SJ, Santucci N, Widagdo J, Bontempo SJ, Taylor KM, Tay ESE, Hook J, Lemckert F, Gunning PW, Hardeman EC. Negative autoregulation of GTF2IRD1 in Williams-Beuren syndrome via a novel DNA binding mechanism. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:4715-24. [PMID: 20007321 PMCID: PMC2836076 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.086660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2009] [Revised: 12/07/2009] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The GTF2IRD1 gene is of principal interest to the study of Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS). This neurodevelopmental disorder results from the hemizygous deletion of a region of chromosome 7q11.23 containing 28 genes including GTF2IRD1. WBS is thought to be caused by haploinsufficiency of certain dosage-sensitive genes within the deleted region, and the feature of supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) has been attributed to reduced elastin caused by deletion of ELN. Human genetic mapping data have implicated two related genes GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I in the cause of some the key features of WBS, including craniofacial dysmorphology, hypersociability, and visuospatial deficits. Mice with mutations of the Gtf2ird1 allele show evidence of craniofacial abnormalities and behavioral changes. Here we show the existence of a negative autoregulatory mechanism that controls the level of GTF2IRD1 transcription via direct binding of the GTF2IRD1 protein to a highly conserved region of the GTF2IRD1 promoter containing an array of three binding sites. The affinity for this protein-DNA interaction is critically dependent upon multiple interactions between separate domains of the protein and at least two of the DNA binding sites. This autoregulatory mechanism leads to dosage compensation of GTF2IRD1 transcription in WBS patients. The GTF2IRD1 promoter represents the first established in vivo gene target of the GTF2IRD1 protein, and we use it to model its DNA interaction capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Palmer
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medical Sciences, The University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia.
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Meyer-Lindenberg A. More than the sum of its parts: new mouse models for dissecting the genetic complexities of Williams-Beuren syndrome. EMBO Mol Med 2010; 1:6-9. [PMID: 20049698 PMCID: PMC3378111 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.200900007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are a common, severe and disabling group of diseases where progress in finding novel molecular targets has been slow. This is partly due to our lack of understanding of the molecular pathophysiology of these conditions as they play out in the brain (Insel & Scolnick, 2006). Since many of these diseases (such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or autism) are highly heritable, a genetic approach to dissecting the risk architecture is a promising avenue for molecular medicine; however, variants in single genes frequently present in the population have only small to moderate effects on complex behavioural phenotypes (O'Donovan et al, 2008).
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Heidelberg.
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Depienne C, Heron D, Betancur C, Benyahia B, Trouillard O, Bouteiller D, Verloes A, Leguern E, Leboyer M, Brice A. Autism, language delay and mental retardation in a patient with 7q11 duplication. BMJ Case Rep 2009; 2009:bcr05.2009.1911. [PMID: 21686962 DOI: 10.1136/bcr.05.2009.1911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal rearrangements are found in a subset of patients with autism. Duplications involving loci associated with behavioural disturbances constitute an especially good candidate mechanism. The Williams-Beuren critical region (WBCR), located at 7q11.23, is commonly deleted in Williams-Beuren microdeletion syndrome (WBS). However, only four patients with a duplication of the WBCR have been reported to date. Here, 206 patients with autism spectrum disorders were screened for the WBCR duplication by quantitative microsatellite analysis and multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification. One male patient with a de novo interstitial duplication of the entire WBCR of paternal origin was identified. The patient had autistic disorder, severe language delay and mental retardation, with mild dysmorphism. The present report concerns the first patient with autistic disorder and a WBCR duplication. This observation indicates that the 7q11.23 duplication could be involved in complex clinical phenotypes, ranging from developmental or language delay to mental retardation and autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Depienne
- INSERM U679 (formerly U289), Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
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Dai L, Bellugi U, Chen XN, Pulst-Korenberg AM, Järvinen-Pasley A, Tirosh-Wagner T, Eis PS, Graham J, Mills D, Searcy Y, Korenberg JR. Is it Williams syndrome? GTF2IRD1 implicated in visual-spatial construction and GTF2I in sociability revealed by high resolution arrays. Am J Med Genet A 2009; 149A:302-14. [PMID: 19205026 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic contributions to human cognition and behavior are clear but difficult to define. Williams syndrome (WS) provides a unique model for relating single genes to visual-spatial cognition and social behavior. We defined a approximately 1.5 Mb region of approximately 25 genes deleted in >98% of typical WS and then rare small deletions, showing that visual-spatial construction (VSC) in WS was associated with the genes GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I. To distinguish the roles of GTF2IRD1 and GTF2I in VSC and social behavior, we utilized multiple genomic methods (custom high resolution oligonucleotide microarray, multicolor FISH and somatic cell hybrids analyzed by PCR) to identify individuals deleted for either gene but not both. We analyzed genetic, cognitive and social behavior in a unique individual with WS features (heart defects, small size, facies), but with an atypical deletion of a set of genes that includes GTF2IRD1, but not GTF2I. The centromeric breakpoint localized to the region 72.32-72.38 Mb and the telomeric breakpoint to 72.66 Mb, 10 kb downstream of GTF2IRD1. Cognitive testing (WPPSI-R, K-BIT, and PLS-3) demonstrated striking deficits in VSC (Block Design, Object Assembly) but overall performance 1.5-3 SD above WS means. We have now integrated the genetic, clinical and cognitive data with previous reports of social behavior in this subject. These results combine with previous data from small deletions to suggest the gene GTF2IRD1 is associated with WS facies and VSC, and that GTF2I may contribute to WS social behaviors including increased gaze and attention to strangers.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dai
- The Center for Integrated Neuroscience and Human Behavior, The Brain Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
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Gu W, Lupski JR. CNV and nervous system diseases--what's new? Cytogenet Genome Res 2009; 123:54-64. [PMID: 19287139 DOI: 10.1159/000184692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several new genomic disorders caused by copy number variation (CNV) of genes whose dosage is critical for the physiological function of the nervous system have been recently identified. Dup(7)(q11.23) patients carry duplications of the genomic region deleted in Williams-Beuren syndrome, they are characterized by prominent speech delay. The phenotypes of Potocki-Lupski syndrome and MECP2 duplication syndrome were neuropsychologically examined in detail, which revealed autism as an endophenotype and a prominent behavioral feature of these disorders. Tandem duplication of LMNB1 was reported to cause adult-onset autosomal dominant leukodystrophy. PAFAH1B1/LIS1 and YWHAE, which were deleted in isolated lissencephaly (PAFAH1B1/LIS1 alone) and Miller-Dieker syndrome (both genes), were found to be duplicated in patients with developmental delay. Finally, two novel microdeletion syndromes affecting 17q21.31 and 15q13.3, as well as their reciprocal duplications, were also identified. In this review, we provide an overview of the phenotypic manifestation of these syndromes and the rearrangements causing them.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Gu
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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Blyth M, Beal S, Huang S, Crolla J, Foulds N. A novel 2.43 Mb deletion of 7q11.22-q11.23. Am J Med Genet A 2009; 146A:3206-10. [PMID: 19012340 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
We present a patient with a novel heterozygous deletion of 7q11.22-q11.23. Standard cytogenetic analysis using the ELN cosmid 82C and the ELN/ LIMK1 cosmid 34B FISH probes suggested a diagnosis of Williams syndrome. Although he has supravalvular aortic stenosis and peripheral pulmonary artery stenosis, which are common in this condition, he does not have the clinical gestalt of Williams syndrome. 44k oligo array CGH analysis showed a 2.43 Mb deletion, encompassing the proximal 1.43 kb of the Williams syndrome critical region and extending approximately 1 Mb beyond it. The deletion of further genes outside the Williams syndrome critical region does not appear to be having a phenotypic effect at present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moira Blyth
- Wessex Clinical Genetics Service, Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, UK.
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Smith AD, Gilchrist ID, Hood B, Tassabehji M, Karmiloff-Smith A. Inefficient Search of Large-Scale Space in Williams Syndrome: Further Insights on the Role of LIMK1 Deletion in Deficits of Spatial Cognition. Perception 2009; 38:694-701. [DOI: 10.1068/p6050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Williams syndrome (WS) is a genetic disorder associated with impairments of spatial cognition. This has primarily been studied in small-scale space, and rarely in large-scale environments. In order to fully characterise the spatial deficits in WS, and also to address claims that the deletion of LIM-kinase 1 (LIMK1) on chromosome 7 is responsible for those deficits, we report an automated large-scale search task for humans that places the participant egocentrically within the search space. Search locations were defined as lights and switches embedded in the floor, and participants attempted to locate a hidden target by pressing the switch at potential locations. We compared individuals with WS to patients with smaller deletions (including LIMK1) in the critical region on chromosome 7. Whilst partial-deletion participants performed efficiently on the task, participants with WS demonstrated inefficient search profiles: their search slopes were steeper and they made significantly more erroneous revisits to previously inspected locations. Our findings indicate that spatial deficits associated with WS also affect large-scale spatial processing and suggest that hemizygous deletion of LIMK1 is not sufficient to account for any of the spatial deficits associated with WS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alastair D Smith
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TN, UK
| | - Iain D Gilchrist
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TN, UK
| | - Bruce Hood
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, 12a Priory Road, Bristol BS8 1TN, UK
| | - May Tassabehji
- Department of Genetics, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Annette Karmiloff-Smith
- Developmental Neurocognition Laboratory, Centre for Brain & Cognitive Development, Birkbeck College, University of London, London WC1E 7HX, UK
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Defining the social phenotype in Williams syndrome: a model for linking gene, the brain, and behavior. Dev Psychopathol 2008; 20:1-35. [PMID: 18211726 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579408000011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Research into phenotype-genotype correlations in neurodevelopmental disorders has greatly elucidated the contribution of genetic and neurobiological factors to variations in typical and atypical development. Etiologically relatively homogeneous disorders, such as Williams syndrome (WS), provide unique opportunities for elucidating gene-brain-behavior relationships. WS is a neurogenetic disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion of approximately 25 genes on chromosome 7q11.23. This results in a cascade of physical, cognitive-behavioral, affective, and neurobiological aberrations. WS is associated with a markedly uneven neurocognitive profile, and the mature state cognitive profile of WS is relatively well developed. Although anecdotally, individuals with WS have been frequently described as unusually friendly and sociable, personality remains a considerably less well studied area. This paper investigates genetic influences, cognitive-behavioral characteristics, aberrations in brain structure and function, and environmental and biological variables that influence the social outcomes of individuals with WS. We bring together a series of findings across multiple levels of scientific enquiry to examine the social phenotype in WS, reflecting the journey from gene to the brain to behavior. Understanding the complex multilevel scientific perspective in WS has implications for understanding typical social development by identifying important developmental events and markers, as well as helping to define the boundaries of psychopathology.
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Martens MA, Wilson SJ, Reutens DC. Research Review: Williams syndrome: a critical review of the cognitive, behavioral, and neuroanatomical phenotype. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2008; 49:576-608. [PMID: 18489677 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.2008.01887.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 311] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
This review critically examines the research findings which characterize the cognitive, behavioral, and neuroanatomical features of Williams syndrome (WS). This article analyzes 178 published studies in the WS literature covering the following areas: 1) General intelligence, 2) Language skills, 3) Visuospatial and face processing skills, 4) Behavior patterns and hypersociability, 5) Musical abilities, and 6) Brain structure and function. We identify methodological issues relating to small sample size, use and type of control groups, and multiple measures of task performance. Previously described 'peaks' within the cognitive profile are closely examined to assess their veracity. This review highlights the need for methodologically sound studies that utilize multiple comparison groups, developmental trajectories, and longitudinal analyses to examine the WS phenotype, as well as those that link brain structure and function to the cognitive and behavioral phenotype of WS individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilee A Martens
- The Ohio State University-Newark, 1179 University Dr., Newark, OH 43055, USA.
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Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) is a neurodevelopmental and multisystemic disease that results from hemizygosity of approximately 25 genes mapping to chromosomal region 7q11.23. We report here the preliminary description of eight novel genes mapping within the WBS critical region and/or its syntenic mouse region. Three of these genes, TRIM50, TRIM73 and TRIM74, belong to the TRIpartite motif gene family, members of which were shown to be associated to several human genetic diseases. We describe the preliminary functional characterization of these genes and show that Trim50 encodes an E3 ubiquitin ligase, opening the interesting hypothesis that the ubiquitin-mediated proteasome pathway might be involved in the WBS phenotype.
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Barrett SV, Vasey PA, White JD. Management of Intra-abdominal Seminoma Associated with Cognitive Impairment and Undiagnosed Congenital Heart Disease. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2008; 20:90-1. [PMID: 17825541 DOI: 10.1016/j.clon.2007.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2007] [Accepted: 08/06/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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van Hagen JM, Eussen HJ, van Schooten R, van Der Geest JN, Lagers-van Haselen GC, Wouters CH, De Zeeuw CI, Gille JJ. Comparing Two Diagnostic Laboratory Tests for Williams Syndrome: Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization versus Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2007; 11:321-7. [DOI: 10.1089/gte.2007.0007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna M. van Hagen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ron van Schooten
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Cokkie H. Wouters
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC, 3000 DR Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris I. De Zeeuw
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus MC, 3000 CA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johan J.P. Gille
- Department of Clinical Genetics, VU University Medical Center, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Ferrero GB, Biamino E, Sorasio L, Banaudi E, Peruzzi L, Forzano S, di Cantogno LV, Silengo MC. Presenting phenotype and clinical evaluation in a cohort of 22 Williams-Beuren syndrome patients. Eur J Med Genet 2007; 50:327-37. [PMID: 17625998 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2007.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2007] [Accepted: 05/24/2007] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Williams-Beuren syndrome (WS) is a rare multi-system genomic disorder, caused by 7q11.23 microdeletion with a prevalence of 1/7500-1/20,000 live births. Clinical phenotype includes typical facial dysmorphism (elfin face), mental retardation associated with a peculiar neuropsychological profile and congenital heart defects. We investigated 22 WS patients (mean age of 9.7 years, range 1 day to 39 years) with a multi-specialist follow-up protocol comprehensive of neuropsychological, cardiologic, nephrologic, ophthalmologic, endocrinologic, gastroenterologic, odontostomatologic and orthopaedic evaluations. The mean age at diagnosis was 5.38 years, being 1.02 years when genetic evaluation was requested for congenital heart defects (CHD) and 10.68 years in case of mental retardation and/or abnormal neuropsychological profile without an evident CHD. All patients showed facial dysmorphisms, with supravalvular aortic stenosis (SVAS) as the most common cardiovascular anomaly (12/22), followed by peripheral pulmonary stenosis (9/22); interestingly, in one patient we detected a total anomalous pulmonary venous return (TAPVR), confirming the possible association of this rare CHD with WS. Hypertension was detected by 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in 7/22 cases. A cognitive assessment was performed in 13 patients older than 6 years, showing various degrees of mental retardation in 12 and a normal intelligence quotient (IQ) in a single patient; evaluation of developmental milestones revealed various grades of developmental delay in all the patients younger than 6 years. Chiari malformation type 1 was found in 3 patients. Our study underlines a remarkable diagnostic delay in patients who present to genetic evaluation because of mental retardation and/or peculiar neuropsychological profile lacking an evident cardiopathy and confirms the multi-systemic nature of WS leading to a high clinical presentation's variability and complex follow-up strategies.
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Depienne C, Heron D, Betancur C, Benyahia B, Trouillard O, Bouteiller D, Verloes A, LeGuern E, Leboyer M, Brice A. Autism, language delay and mental retardation in a patient with 7q11 duplication. J Med Genet 2007; 44:452-8. [PMID: 17400790 PMCID: PMC1994965 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2006.047092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosomal rearrangements, arising from unequal recombination between repeated sequences, are found in a subset of patients with autism. Duplications involving loci associated with behavioural disturbances constitute an especially good candidate mechanism. The Williams-Beuren critical region (WBCR), located at 7q11.23, is commonly deleted in Williams-Beuren microdeletion syndrome (WBS). However, only four patients with a duplication of the WBCR have been reported to date: one with severe language delay and the three others with variable developmental, psychomotor and language delay. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS In this study, we screened 206 patients with autism spectrum disorders for the WBCR duplication by quantitative microsatellite analysis and multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification. RESULTS We identified one male patient with a de novo interstitial duplication of the entire WBCR of paternal origin. The patient had autistic disorder, severe language delay and mental retardation, with very mild dysmorphic features. CONCLUSION We report the first patient with autistic disorder and a WBCR duplication. This observation indicates that the 7q11.23 duplication could be involved in complex clinical phenotypes, ranging from developmental or language delay to mental retardation and autism, and extends the phenotype initially reported. These findings also support the existence of one or several genes in 7q11.23 sensitive to gene dosage and involved in the development of language and social interaction.
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Thompson PD, Webb M, Beckett W, Hinsley T, Jowitt T, Sharrocks AD, Tassabehji M. GTF2IRD1 regulates transcription by binding an evolutionarily conserved DNA motif ‘GUCE’. FEBS Lett 2007; 581:1233-42. [PMID: 17346708 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2006] [Revised: 02/14/2007] [Accepted: 02/16/2007] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
GTF2IRD1 is a member of a family of transcription factors whose defining characteristic is varying numbers of a helix-loop-helix like motif, the I-repeat. Here, we present functional analysis of human GTF2IRD1 in regulation of three genes (HOXC8, GOOSECOID and TROPONIN I(SLOW)). We define a regulatory motif (GUCE-GTF2IRD1 Upstream Control Element) common to all three genes. GUCE is bound in vitro by domain I-4 of GTF2IRD1 and mediates transcriptional regulation by GTF2IRD1 in vivo. Definition of this site will assist in identification of other downstream targets of GTF2IRD1 and elucidation of its role in the human developmental disorder Williams-Beuren syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P D Thompson
- Academic Unit of Medical Genetics, The University of Manchester, St Mary's Hospital, Hathersage Road, Manchester M13 0JH, UK
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45
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van Hagen JM, van der Geest JN, van der Giessen RS, Lagers-van Haselen GC, Eussen HJFMM, Gille JJP, Govaerts LCP, Wouters CH, de Coo IFM, Hoogenraad CC, Koekkoek SKE, Frens MA, van Camp N, van der Linden A, Jansweijer MCE, Thorgeirsson SS, De Zeeuw CI. Contribution of CYLN2 and GTF2IRD1 to neurological and cognitive symptoms in Williams Syndrome. Neurobiol Dis 2006; 26:112-24. [PMID: 17270452 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2006.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2006] [Revised: 10/12/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Williams Syndrome (WS, [MIM 194050]) is a disorder caused by a hemizygous deletion of 25-30 genes on chromosome 7q11.23. Several of these genes including those encoding cytoplasmic linker protein-115 (CYLN2) and general transcription factors (GTF2I and GTF2IRD1) are expressed in the brain and may contribute to the distinct neurological and cognitive deficits in WS patients. Recent studies of patients with partial deletions indicate that hemizygosity of GTF2I probably contributes to mental retardation in WS. Here we investigate whether CYLN2 and GTF2IRD1 contribute to the motoric and cognitive deficits in WS. Behavioral assessment of a new patient in which STX1A and LIMK1, but not CYLN2 and GTF2IRD1, are deleted showed that his cognitive and motor coordination functions were significantly better than in typical WS patients. Comparative analyses of gene specific CYLN2 and GTF2IRD1 knockout mice showed that a reduced size of the corpus callosum as well as deficits in motor coordination and hippocampal memory formation may be attributed to a deletion of CYLN2, while increased ventricle volume can be attributed to both CYLN2 and GTF2IRD1. We conclude that the motor and cognitive deficits in Williams Syndrome are caused by a variety of genes and that heterozygous deletion of CYLN2 is one of the major causes responsible for such dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M van Hagen
- Department of Clinical Genetics and Human Genetics, VU University Medical Center, PO Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Palmer SJ, Tay ESE, Santucci N, Cuc Bach TT, Hook J, Lemckert FA, Jamieson RV, Gunnning PW, Hardeman EC. Expression of Gtf2ird1, the Williams syndrome-associated gene, during mouse development. Gene Expr Patterns 2006; 7:396-404. [PMID: 17239664 DOI: 10.1016/j.modgep.2006.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Revised: 11/22/2006] [Accepted: 11/24/2006] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The gene GTF2IRD1 is localized within the critical region on chromosome 7 that is deleted in Williams syndrome patients. Genotype-phenotype comparisons of patients carrying variable deletions within this region have implicated GTF2IRD1 and a closely related homolog, GTF2I, as prime candidates for the causation of the principal symptoms of Williams syndrome. We have generated mice with an nls-LacZ knockin mutation of the Gtf2ird1 allele to study its functional role and examine its expression profile. In adults, expression is most prominent in neurons of the central and peripheral nervous system, the retina of the eye, the olfactory epithelium, the spiral ganglion of the cochlea, brown fat adipocytes and to a lesser degree myocytes of the heart and smooth muscle. During development, a dynamic pattern of expression is found predominantly in musculoskeletal tissues, the pituitary, craniofacial tissues, the eyes and tooth buds. Expression of Gtf2ird1 in these tissues correlates with the manifestation of some of the clinical features of Williams syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen J Palmer
- Muscle Development Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, NSW, 2145, Australia.
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47
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Karmiloff-Smith A. The tortuous route from genes to behavior: A neuroconstructivist approach. COGNITIVE AFFECTIVE & BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE 2006; 6:9-17. [PMID: 16869225 DOI: 10.3758/cabn.6.1.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In their excitement at using the human genome project to uncover the functions of specific genes, researchers have often ignored one fundamental factor: the gradual process of ontogenetic development. The view that there might be a gene for spatial cognition or language has emanated from a focus on the structure of the adult brain in neuropsychological patients whose brains were fully and normally developed until their brain insult. The developing brain is very different. It starts out highly interconnected across regions and is neither localized nor specialized at birth, allowing interaction with the environment to play an important role in gene expression and the ultimate cognitive phenotype. This article takes a neuroconstructivist perspective, arguing that domain-specific end states can stem from more domain-general start states, that associations may turn out to be as informative as dissociations, and that genetic mutations that alter the trajectory of ontogenetic development can inform nature/nurture debates.
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Edelmann L, Prosnitz A, Pardo S, Bhatt J, Cohen N, Lauriat T, Ouchanov L, González PJ, Manghi ER, Bondy P, Esquivel M, Monge S, Delgado MF, Splendore A, Francke U, Burton BK, McInnes LA. An atypical deletion of the Williams-Beuren syndrome interval implicates genes associated with defective visuospatial processing and autism. J Med Genet 2006; 44:136-43. [PMID: 16971481 PMCID: PMC2598069 DOI: 10.1136/jmg.2006.044537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND During a genetic study of autism, a female child who met diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder, but also exhibited the cognitive-behavioural profile (CBP) associated with Williams-Beuren syndrome (WBS) was examined. The WBS CBP includes impaired visuospatial ability, an overly friendly personality, excessive non-social anxiety and language delay. METHODS Using array-based comparative genomic hybridisation (aCGH), a deletion corresponding to BAC RP11-89A20 in the distal end of the WBS deletion interval was detected. Hemizygosity was confirmed using fluorescence in situ hybridisation and fine mapping was performed by measuring the copy number of genomic DNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The proximal breakpoint was mapped to intron 1 of GTF2IRD1 and the distal breakpoint lies 2.4-3.1 Mb towards the telomere. The subject was completely hemizygous for GTF2I, commonly deleted in carriers of the classic approximately 1.5 Mb WBS deletion, and GTF2IRD2, deleted in carriers of the rare approximately 1.84 Mb WBS deletion. CONCLUSION Hemizygosity of the GTF2 family of transcription factors is sufficient to produce many aspects of the WBS CBP, and particularly implicate the GTF2 transcription factors in the visuospatial construction deficit. Symptoms of autism in this case may be due to deletion of additional genes outside the typical WBS interval or remote effects on gene expression at other loci.
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Merla G, Howald C, Henrichsen CN, Lyle R, Wyss C, Zabot MT, Antonarakis SE, Reymond A. Submicroscopic deletion in patients with Williams-Beuren syndrome influences expression levels of the nonhemizygous flanking genes. Am J Hum Genet 2006; 79:332-41. [PMID: 16826523 PMCID: PMC1559497 DOI: 10.1086/506371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2006] [Accepted: 05/31/2006] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Genomic imbalance is a common cause of phenotypic abnormalities. We measured the relative expression level of genes that map within the microdeletion that causes Williams-Beuren syndrome and within its flanking regions. We found, unexpectedly, that not only hemizygous genes but also normal-copy neighboring genes show decreased relative levels of expression. Our results suggest that not only the aneuploid genes but also the flanking genes that map several megabases away from a genomic rearrangement should be considered possible contributors to the phenotypic variation in genomic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Merla
- Center for Integrative Genomics, Genopode Building, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Meyer-Lindenberg A, Mervis CB, Berman KF. Neural mechanisms in Williams syndrome: a unique window to genetic influences on cognition and behaviour. Nat Rev Neurosci 2006; 7:380-93. [PMID: 16760918 DOI: 10.1038/nrn1906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Williams syndrome, a rare disorder caused by hemizygous microdeletion of about 28 genes on chromosome 7q11.23, has long intrigued neuroscientists with its unique combination of striking behavioural abnormalities, such as hypersociability, and characteristic neurocognitive profile. Williams syndrome, therefore, raises fundamental questions about the neural mechanisms of social behaviour, the modularity of mind and brain development, and provides a privileged setting to understand genetic influences on complex brain functions in a 'bottom-up' way. We review recent advances in uncovering the functional and structural neural substrates of Williams syndrome that provide an emerging understanding of how these are related to dissociable genetic contributions characterized both in special participant populations and animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg
- Unit for Systems Neuroscience in Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, NIH, DHHS, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1365, USA
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