1
|
Lin F. Acquisition Time for Resting-State HbO/Hb Coupling Measured by Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Assessing Autism. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2024:e202400150. [PMID: 39233458 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202400150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
Functional near-infrared spectroscopy was used to record spontaneous hemodynamic fluctuations form the bilateral temporal lobes in 25 children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and 22 typically developing (TD) children. The coupling between oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) was calculated by Pearson correlation coefficient, showing significant difference between ASD and TD, thus the coupling could be a characteristic feature for ASD. To evaluate the discrimination ability of the feature obtained in different acquisition times, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was constructed and the area under curve (AUC) was calculated. The results showed AUC > 0.8 when the time duration was longer than 1.5 min, but longer than 4 min, AUC value (~0.87) hardly varied, implying the maximal discrimination ability reached. This study demonstrated the coupling could be one of characteristic features for ASD even acquired in a short measurement time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lin
- Department of Science and Technology, Faculty of Fundamental Sciences, Special Police Academy of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rao S, Sadybekov A, DeWitt DC, Lipka J, Katritch V, Herring BE. Detection of autism spectrum disorder-related pathogenic trio variants by a novel structure-based approach. Mol Autism 2024; 15:12. [PMID: 38566250 PMCID: PMC10988830 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-024-00590-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glutamatergic synapse dysfunction is believed to underlie the development of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Intellectual Disability (ID) in many individuals. However, identification of genetic markers that contribute to synaptic dysfunction in these individuals is notoriously difficult. Based on genomic analysis, structural modeling, and functional data, we recently established the involvement of the TRIO-RAC1 pathway in ASD and ID. Furthermore, we identified a pathological de novo missense mutation hotspot in TRIO's GEF1 domain. ASD/ID-related missense mutations within this domain compromise glutamatergic synapse function and likely contribute to the development of ASD/ID. The number of ASD/ID cases with mutations identified within TRIO's GEF1 domain is increasing. However, tools for accurately predicting whether such mutations are detrimental to protein function are lacking. METHODS Here we deployed advanced protein structural modeling techniques to predict potential de novo pathogenic and benign mutations within TRIO's GEF1 domain. Mutant TRIO-9 constructs were generated and expressed in CA1 pyramidal neurons of organotypic cultured hippocampal slices. AMPA receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents were examined in these neurons using dual whole-cell patch clamp electrophysiology. We also validated these findings using orthogonal co-immunoprecipitation and fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM-FRET) experiments to assay TRIO mutant overexpression effects on TRIO-RAC1 binding and on RAC1 activity in HEK293/T cells. RESULTS Missense mutations in TRIO's GEF1 domain that were predicted to disrupt TRIO-RAC1 binding or stability were tested experimentally and found to greatly impair TRIO-9's influence on glutamatergic synapse function. In contrast, missense mutations in TRIO's GEF1 domain that were predicted to have minimal effect on TRIO-RAC1 binding or stability did not impair TRIO-9's influence on glutamatergic synapse function in our experimental assays. In orthogonal assays, we find most of the mutations predicted to disrupt binding display loss of function but mutants predicted to disrupt stability do not reflect our results from neuronal electrophysiological data. LIMITATIONS We present a method to predict missense mutations in TRIO's GEF1 domain that may compromise TRIO function and test for effects in a limited number of assays. Possible limitations arising from the model systems employed here can be addressed in future studies. Our method does not provide evidence for whether these mutations confer ASD/ID risk or the likelihood that such mutations will result in the development of ASD/ID. CONCLUSIONS Here we show that a combination of structure-based computational predictions and experimental validation can be employed to reliably predict whether missense mutations in the human TRIO gene impede TRIO protein function and compromise TRIO's role in glutamatergic synapse regulation. With the growing accessibility of genome sequencing, the use of such tools in the accurate identification of pathological mutations will be instrumental in diagnostics of ASD/ID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadhna Rao
- Department of Biological Sciences, Neurobiology Section, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Anastasiia Sadybekov
- Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA
| | - David C DeWitt
- Department of Pathology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Joanna Lipka
- Department of Neuroscience, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Vsevolod Katritch
- Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Bruce E Herring
- Department of Biological Sciences, Neurobiology Section, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lin F, Huang W, Lu S, Li J. Cerebral blood flow measured by diffuse correlation spectroscopy in children with autism spectrum disorder. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2023; 16:e202300151. [PMID: 37565384 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202300151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) was used to measure resting-state cerebral blood flow (CBF) in temporal lobes of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children. Twenty-two children with ASD and 34 age-matched TD children were recruited to participate in the experiment. DCS signals were recorded with 3 long source-detector (SD) channels (SD distance = 22.0 mm) and 1 short SD channel (SD distance = 10.5 mm) from each side of the temporal lobe. Significant difference in CBF between left and right hemispheres was observed in ASD group, but not in TD group. With the degree of CBF lateralization as a discrimination feature, a leave-one-out ROC curve was plotted with the area-under-curve (AUC) value of 0.731 ± 0.010, indicating children with ASD could be discriminated from TD children. This suggested CBF lateralization in temporal lobes measured with DCS might serve as a discriminative feature for ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lin
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Huang
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuo Lu
- College of International Studies, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jun Li
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
de Oliveira Ferreira E, Pessoa Gomes JM, Neves KRT, Lima FAV, de Barros Viana GS, de Andrade GM. Maternal treatment with aripiprazole prevents the development of a valproic acid-induced autism-like phenotype in juvenile male mice. Behav Pharmacol 2023; 34:154-168. [PMID: 36853856 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) describes a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behaviors. Aripiprazole (APZ) is an atypical antipsychotic that can safeguard mice against autism-like behavior induced by valproic acid (VPA). In the present study, we examined the effects of maternal treatment with APZ (10 mg/kg) in juvenile mice prenatally exposed to VPA on neurodevelopmental behaviors, social interactions, communication, and working memory, as well as synaptophysin (SYP), synaptosomal-associated protein, 25 kDa (SNAP-25) and microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and cell viability in the hippocampus. In addition, to evaluate possible APZ interference with the anticonvulsant properties of VPA on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures were evaluated. Maternal treatment with APZ significantly prevented body weight loss, self-righting, eye-opening, social interactions, social communication, and working memory deficits in mice prenatally exposed to VPA. Additionally, the decrease in the SYP, SNAP-25, and MAP-2 expressions in the mPFC and cell death in the hippocampus was prevented by APZ. Furthermore, APZ (10 mg/kg) did not interfere with the anticonvulsant effect of VPA (15 mg/kg) in animals with PTZ-induced seizures. These findings indicate that maternal treatment with APZ in pregnant mice exposed to VPA protects animals against the ASD-like behavioral phenotype, and this effect may be related, at least in part, to synaptic plasticity and neuronal protection in the PFC and hippocampus. APZ may serve as an effective pharmacological therapeutic target against autistic behaviors in the VPA animal model of ASD, which should be further investigated to verify its clinical relevance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Glauce Socorro de Barros Viana
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
- Center for Research and Drug Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Geanne Matos de Andrade
- Department of Clinical Medicine
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology
- Center for Research and Drug Development (NPDM), Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Lin F, Hu Y, Huang W, Wu X, Sun H, Li J. Resting-state coupling between HbO and Hb measured by fNIRS in autism spectrum disorder. JOURNAL OF BIOPHOTONICS 2023; 16:e202200265. [PMID: 36323629 DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202200265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
To distinguish between children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing (TD) children, we have uncovered a new discriminative feature, hemoglobin coupling. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was used to record resting-state hemodynamic fluctuations in the bilateral temporal lobes in 25 children with ASD and 22 TD children, in which the coupling between low frequency oxygenated hemoglobin (HbO) and deoxygenated hemoglobin (Hb) fluctuations was evaluated by Pearson correlation coefficient. The results showed significantly weak coupling in children with ASD in both the left and right, and throughout the whole temporal cortex. To explain this observation, a simulation study was performed using a balloon model, in which we found four related parameters could impact the coupling. This study suggested that hemoglobin coupling might be applied as a new cerebral hemodynamic characteristic for ASD screening or diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Lin
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Hu
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihao Huang
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyin Wu
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiwen Sun
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shiani A, Sharafi K, Omer AK, Kiani A, Karamimatin B, Massahi T, Ebrahimzadeh G. A systematic literature review on the association between exposures to toxic elements and an autism spectrum disorder. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2023; 857:159246. [PMID: 36220469 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.159246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental illness characterized by difficulties in social communication and repetitive behaviors. There have been many previous studies of toxic metals in ASD. Therefore, the priority of this study is to review the relationships between exposure to toxic metals and ASD. MATERIALS & METHODS This study was based on a comprehensive search of international databases, such as Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus, PubMed, and Google Scholar, for all works related to the subject under discussion from 1982 to 2022. We further summarize published data linked to this topic and discuss with clarifying evidence that agrees and conflicts with the association between exposure to toxic metals, including mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and aluminum (Al) and ASD. RESULTS 40 out of 63 papers met the requirements for meta-analysis. Blood Pb levels (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.81; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.36-1.25), blood Hg (SMD = 0.90; CI: 0.30-1.49), hair Pb (SMD = 1.47; CI: 0.03-2.92), urine As (SMD = 0.65; CI: 0.22-1.09), and urine Al levels (SMD = 0.85; CI: 0.40-1.29) in autistic individuals were significantly higher than those of healthy control (HC). Whereas, blood As levels (SMD = 1.33; CI: -1.32-3.97), hair As (SMD = 0.55; CI: -0.14-1.24), hair Cd (SMD = 0.60; CI: -0.31-1.51), hair Hg (SMD = 0.41; CI: -0.30-1.12), hair Al (SMD = 0.87; CI: -0.02-1.77), urine Pb (SMD = -0.68; CI: -2.55-1.20), urine Cd (SMD = -0.26; CI: -0.94-0.41), and urine Hg levels (SMD = 0.47; CI: -0.09-1.04) in autistic individuals were significantly lower than those of HC. CONCLUSION Toxic metal content significantly differed between individuals with ASD and HC in the current meta-analysis. The results assist in clarifying the significance of toxic metals as environmental factors in the development of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Shiani
- Department of Speech Therapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Clinical Research Development Center, Taleghani and Imam Ali Hospital, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Kiomars Sharafi
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | - Abdullah Khalid Omer
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Urmia, Iran; Razga Company, Kurdistan Region, Iraq.
| | - Amir Kiani
- Regenerative Medicine Research Center (RMRC), Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Behzad Karamimatin
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health (RCEDH), Research Institute for Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Tooraj Massahi
- Students Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Ebrahimzadeh
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Santos A, Caramelo F, Melo JB, Castelo-Branco M. Dopaminergic Gene Dosage Reveals Distinct Biological Partitions between Autism and Developmental Delay as Revealed by Complex Network Analysis and Machine Learning Approaches. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101579. [PMID: 36294718 PMCID: PMC9604562 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Revised: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurobiological mechanisms underlying Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) remains controversial. One factor contributing to this debate is the phenotypic heterogeneity observed in ASD, which suggests that multiple system disruptions may contribute to diverse patterns of impairment which have been reported between and within study samples. Here, we used SFARI data to address genetic imbalances affecting the dopaminergic system. Using complex network analysis, we investigated the relations between phenotypic profiles, gene dosage and gene ontology (GO) terms related to dopaminergic neurotransmission from a polygenic point-of-view. We observed that the degree of distribution of the networks matched a power-law distribution characterized by the presence of hubs, gene or GO nodes with a large number of interactions. Furthermore, we identified interesting patterns related to subnetworks of genes and GO terms, which suggested applicability to separation of clinical clusters (Developmental Delay (DD) versus ASD). This has the potential to improve our understanding of genetic variability issues and has implications for diagnostic categorization. In ASD, we identified the separability of four key dopaminergic mechanisms disrupted with regard to receptor binding, synaptic physiology and neural differentiation, each belonging to particular subgroups of ASD participants, whereas in DD a more unitary biological pattern was found. Finally, network analysis was fed into a machine learning binary classification framework to differentiate between the diagnosis of ASD and DD. Subsets of 1846 participants were used to train a Random Forest algorithm. Our best classifier achieved, on average, a diagnosis-predicting accuracy of 85.18% (sd 1.11%) on the test samples of 790 participants using 117 genes. The achieved accuracy surpassed results using genetic data and closely matched imaging approaches addressing binary diagnostic classification. Importantly, we observed a similar prediction accuracy when the classifier uses only 62 GO features. This result further corroborates the complex network analysis approach, suggesting that different genetic causes might converge to the dysregulation of the same set of biological mechanisms, leading to a similar disease phenotype. This new biology-driven ontological framework yields a less variable and more compact domain-related set of features with potential mechanistic generalization. The proposed network analysis, allowing for the determination of a clearcut biological distinction between ASD and DD (the latter presenting much lower modularity and heterogeneity), is amenable to machine learning approaches and provides an interesting avenue of research for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Santos
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Caramelo
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB, iCBR, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Joana Barbosa Melo
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- CIBB, iCBR, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Miguel Castelo-Branco
- Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research (CIBIT), ICNAS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Fóthi Á, Pintér C, Pollner P, Lőrincz A. Peripheral gene interactions define interpretable clusters of core ASD genes in a network-based investigation of the omnigenic theory. NPJ Syst Biol Appl 2022; 8:28. [PMID: 35948596 PMCID: PMC9365765 DOI: 10.1038/s41540-022-00240-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the recently proposed omnigenic theory, all expressed genes in a relevant tissue are contributing directly or indirectly to the manifestation of complex disorders such as autism. Thus, holistic approaches can be complementary in studying genetics of these complex disorders to focusing on a limited number of candidate genes. Gene interaction networks can be used for holistic studies of the omnigenic nature of autism. We used Louvain clustering on tissue-specific gene interaction networks and their subgraphs exclusively containing autism-related genes to study the effects of peripheral gene interactions. We observed that the autism gene clusters are significantly weaker connected to each other and the peripheral genes in non-neuronal tissues than in brain-related tissues. The biological functions of the brain clusters correlated well with previous findings on autism, such as synaptic signaling, regulation of DNA methylation, or regulation of lymphocyte activation, however, on the other tissues they did not enrich as significantly. Furthermore, ASD subjects with disruptive mutations in specific gene clusters show phenotypical differences compared to other disruptive variants carrying ASD individuals. Our results strengthen the omnigenic theory and can advance our understanding of the genetic background of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ábel Fóthi
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Informatics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary.
- Institute of Archaeogenomics, Research Centre for the Humanities, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Csaba Pintér
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Informatics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Pollner
- MTA-ELTE Statistical and Biological Physics Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network (ELKH), Department of Biological Physics, Eötvös University, Budapest, Hungary
- Health Services Management Training Centre, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - András Lőrincz
- Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of Informatics, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorders: potential target for mesenchymal stem cell-based therapy. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-022-00525-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) include a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by repetitive behaviours and impairments in communication, emotional and social skills. This review gives an overview of ASD, focusing on the aetiological and clinical aspects. It also discusses the role of neuroinflammation in ASD, critically examines the current evidence on the therapeutic effects of MSCs in ASD and consolidates key findings in this area of research.
Results
Many environmental and genetic factors have been linked to the aetiology of ASD. It has become increasingly evident that neuroinflammation plays a role in ASD. Conventional treatment of ASD revolves around psychosocial approaches whereas recent studies have turned to alternative approaches such as mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy, owing to the well-recognised immunomodulatory characteristics of MSCs. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown that MSCs were able to exert anti-inflammatory effects and alleviate ASD symptoms.
Conclusions
There are many preclinical studies that support the use of MSCs in ASD. However, there are relatively fewer clinical studies concerning the safety and efficacy of MSCs in ASD, which warrants more large-scale clinical studies for future research.
Collapse
|
10
|
Maddouri O, Qian X, Yoon BJ. Deep graph representations embed network information for robust disease marker identification. Bioinformatics 2022; 38:1075-1086. [PMID: 34788368 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btab772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Accurate disease diagnosis and prognosis based on omics data rely on the effective identification of robust prognostic and diagnostic markers that reflect the states of the biological processes underlying the disease pathogenesis and progression. In this article, we present GCNCC, a Graph Convolutional Network-based approach for Clustering and Classification, that can identify highly effective and robust network-based disease markers. Based on a geometric deep learning framework, GCNCC learns deep network representations by integrating gene expression data with protein interaction data to identify highly reproducible markers with consistently accurate prediction performance across independent datasets possibly from different platforms. GCNCC identifies these markers by clustering the nodes in the protein interaction network based on latent similarity measures learned by the deep architecture of a graph convolutional network, followed by a supervised feature selection procedure that extracts clusters that are highly predictive of the disease state. RESULTS By benchmarking GCNCC based on independent datasets from different diseases (psychiatric disorder and cancer) and different platforms (microarray and RNA-seq), we show that GCNCC outperforms other state-of-the-art methods in terms of accuracy and reproducibility. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION https://github.com/omarmaddouri/GCNCC. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Omar Maddouri
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Xiaoning Qian
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.,Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| | - Byung-Jun Yoon
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.,Computational Science Initiative, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Upton, NY 11973, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Meyyazhagan A, Balasubramanian B, Bhotla HK, Easwaran M, Shanmugam S, Alagamuthu KK, Arumugam VA, Keshavarao S, Pappusamy M. Genetic and cytogenetic screening of autistic spectrum disorder: Genotype-phenotype profiles. Meta Gene 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2021.100924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
|
12
|
Li S, Cheng C, Lu L, Ma X, Zhang X, Li A, Chen J, Qian X, Gao X. Hearing Loss in Neurological Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:716300. [PMID: 34458270 PMCID: PMC8385440 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.716300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) affects approximately 466 million people worldwide, which is projected to reach 900 million by 2050. Its histological characteristics are lesions in cochlear hair cells, supporting cells, and auditory nerve endings. Neurological disorders cover a wide range of diseases affecting the nervous system, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), etc. Many studies have revealed that neurological disorders manifest with hearing loss, in addition to typical nervous symptoms. The prevalence, manifestations, and neuropathological mechanisms underlying vary among different diseases. In this review, we discuss the relevant literature, from clinical trials to research mice models, to provide an overview of auditory dysfunctions in the most common neurological disorders, particularly those associated with hearing loss, and to explain their underlying pathological and molecular mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Cheng Cheng
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ling Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofeng Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Ao Li
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaoyun Qian
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| | - Xia Gao
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Jiangsu Provincial Key Medical Discipline (Laboratory), Nanjing, China
- Research Institute of Otolaryngology, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rahaman MA, Lopa M, Uddin KMF, Baqui MA, Keya SP, Faruk MO, Sarker S, Basiruzzaman M, Islam M, AlBanna A, Jahan N, Chowdhury MAKA, Saha N, Hussain M, Colombi C, O'Rielly D, Woodbury-Smith M, Ghaziuddin M, Rahman MM, Uddin M. An Exploration of Physical and Phenotypic Characteristics of Bangladeshi Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:2392-2401. [PMID: 32975665 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04703-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study explored the physical and clinical phenotype of Bangladeshi children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A totally of 283 children who were referred for screening and administered Module 1 of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) were included. Overall, 209 met the ADOS algorithmic cutoff for ASD. A trend for greater weight and head circumference was observed in children with ASD versus non-ASD. Head circumference was significantly (p < 0.03) larger in ASD males compared with non-ASD males. A trend was also observed for symptom severity, higher in females than males (p = 0.068), with further analyses demonstrating that social reciprocity (p < 0.014) and functional play (p < 0.03) were significantly more impaired in ASD females than males. The findings help understand sex differences in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashiquir Rahaman
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Maksuda Lopa
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - K M Furkan Uddin
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Genetics and Genomic Medicine Centre, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Holy Family Red Crescent Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Abdul Baqui
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Selina Parvin Keya
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Omar Faruk
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shaoli Sarker
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Genetics and Genomic Medicine Centre, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Department of Paediatric Neuroscience, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Basiruzzaman
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Genetics and Genomic Medicine Centre, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mazharul Islam
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh.,Genetics and Genomic Medicine Centre, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ammar AlBanna
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE.,Al Jalila Specialty Children's Hospital, Dubai, UAE
| | - Nargis Jahan
- Centre for Precision Therapeutics, NeuroGen Children's Healthcare, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - M A K Azad Chowdhury
- Neonatology, Bangladesh Institute of Child Health, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Narayan Saha
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, National Institute of Neurosciences, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Manzoor Hussain
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Costanza Colombi
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Dhaka Shishu Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Darren O'Rielly
- Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Translational Genomics, Memorial University, St. Johns, Canada
| | - Marc Woodbury-Smith
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Neuroscience, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Mohammad Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Paediatric Neurology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammed Uddin
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE. .,Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Sun W, Wu X, Zhang T, Lin F, Sun H, Li J. Narrowband Resting-State fNIRS Functional Connectivity in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Hum Neurosci 2021; 15:643410. [PMID: 34211379 PMCID: PMC8239150 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.643410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hemispheric asymmetry in the power spectrum of low-frequency spontaneous hemodynamic fluctuations has been previously observed in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This observation may imply a specific narrow-frequency band in which individuals with ASD could show more significant alteration in resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC). To test this assumption, we evaluated narrowband RSFC at several frequencies for functional near-infrared spectroscopy signals recorded from the bilateral temporal lobes on 25 children with ASD and 22 typically developing (TD) children. In several narrow-frequency bands, we observed altered interhemispheric RSFC in ASD. However, in the band of 0.01–0.02 Hz, more mirrored channel pairs (or cortical sites) showed significantly weaker RSFC in the ASD group. Receiver operating characteristic analysis further demonstrated that RSFC in the narrowband of 0.01–0.02 Hz might have better differentiation ability between the ASD and TD groups. This may indicate that the narrowband RSFC could serve as a characteristic for the prediction of ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiting Sun
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyin Wu
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingzhen Zhang
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fang Lin
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huiwen Sun
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Li
- South China Academy of Advanced Optoelectronics, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Lab for Behavioral Economic Science & Technology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Genetic risk factors for autism-spectrum disorders: a systematic review based on systematic reviews and meta-analysis. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2021; 128:717-734. [PMID: 34115189 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-021-02360-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on recent evidence, more than 200 susceptibility genes have been identified to be associated with autism until now. Correspondingly, cytogenetic abnormalities have been reported for almost every chromosome. While the results of multiple genes associated with risk factors for autism are still incomplete, this paper systematically reviews published meta-analyses and systematic reviews of evidence related to autism occurrence. METHOD Literature search was conducted in the PubMed system, and the publication dates were limited between January 2000 and July 2020. We included a meta-analysis and systematic review that assessed the impact of related gene variants on the development of autism. After screening, this comprehensive literature search identified 31 meta-analyses and ten systematic reviews. We arranged the genes related to autism in the published studies according to the order of the chromosomes, and based on the results of a meta-analysis and systematic review, we selected 6 candidate genes related to ASD, namely MTHFR C677T, SLC25A12, OXTR, RELN, 5-HTTLPR, SHANK, including basic features and functions. In addition to these typical genes, we have also listed candidate genes that may exist on almost every chromosome that are related to autism. RESULTS We found that the results of several literature reviews included in this study showed that the MTHFR C667T variant was a risk factor for the occurrence of ASD, and the results were consistent. The results of studies on SLC25A12 variation (rs2056202 and rs2292813) and ASD risk were inconsistent but statistically significant. No association of 5-HTTLPR was found with autism, but when subgroup analysis was performed according to ethnicity, the association was statistically significant. RELN variants (rs362691 and rs736707) were consistent with ASD risk studies, but some of the results were not statistically significant. CONCLUSION This review summarized the well-known ASD candidate genes and listed some new genes that need further study in larger sample sets to improve our understanding of the genetic basis of ASD, but sample size and heterogeneity remain major limiting factors in some genome-wide association studies. We also found that common genetic variants in some genes may be co-risk factors for autism or other neuropsychiatric disorders when we collated these results. It is worth considering screening for these mutations in clinical applications.
Collapse
|
16
|
Vanzo RJ, Prasad A, Staunch L, Hensel CH, Serrano MA, Wassman ER, Kaplun A, Grandin T, Boles RG. The Temple Grandin Genome: Comprehensive Analysis in a Scientist with High-Functioning Autism. J Pers Med 2020; 11:21. [PMID: 33383702 PMCID: PMC7824360 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11010021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous condition with a complex genetic etiology. The objective of this study is to identify the complex genetic factors that underlie the ASD phenotype and other clinical features of Professor Temple Grandin, an animal scientist and woman with high-functioning ASD. Identifying the underlying genetic cause for ASD can impact medical management, personalize services and treatment, and uncover other medical risks that are associated with the genetic diagnosis. Prof. Grandin underwent chromosomal microarray analysis, whole exome sequencing, and whole genome sequencing, as well as a comprehensive clinical and family history intake. The raw data were analyzed in order to identify possible genotype-phenotype correlations. Genetic testing identified variants in three genes (SHANK2, ALX1, and RELN) that are candidate risk factors for ASD. We identified variants in MEFV and WNT10A, reported to be disease-associated in previous studies, which are likely to contribute to some of her additional clinical features. Moreover, candidate variants in genes encoding metabolic enzymes and transporters were identified, some of which suggest potential therapies. This case report describes the genomic findings in Prof. Grandin and it serves as an example to discuss state-of-the-art clinical diagnostics for individuals with ASD, as well as the medical, logistical, and economic hurdles that are involved in clinical genetic testing for an individual on the autism spectrum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rena J. Vanzo
- Lineagen, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84109, USA; (A.P.); (L.S.); (C.H.H.); (M.A.S.); (E.R.W.)
| | - Aparna Prasad
- Lineagen, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84109, USA; (A.P.); (L.S.); (C.H.H.); (M.A.S.); (E.R.W.)
| | - Lauren Staunch
- Lineagen, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84109, USA; (A.P.); (L.S.); (C.H.H.); (M.A.S.); (E.R.W.)
| | - Charles H. Hensel
- Lineagen, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84109, USA; (A.P.); (L.S.); (C.H.H.); (M.A.S.); (E.R.W.)
| | - Moises A. Serrano
- Lineagen, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84109, USA; (A.P.); (L.S.); (C.H.H.); (M.A.S.); (E.R.W.)
| | - E. Robert Wassman
- Lineagen, Inc., Salt Lake City, UT 84109, USA; (A.P.); (L.S.); (C.H.H.); (M.A.S.); (E.R.W.)
| | | | - Temple Grandin
- Department of Animal Science, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80523, USA;
| | - Richard G. Boles
- The Center for Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Health, Voorhees, NJ 08043, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Uddin MG, Siddiqui SA, Uddin MS, Aziz MA, Hussain MS, Furhatun-Noor, Millat MS, Sen N, Muhuri B, Islam MS. Genetic variants of ZNF385B and COMT are associated with autism spectrum disorder in the Bangladeshi children. Meta Gene 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2020.100820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
|
18
|
Khalid M, Raza H, M. Driessen T, J. Lee P, Tejwani L, Sami A, Nawaz M, Mehmood Baig S, Lim J, Kaukab Raja G. Genetic Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in a Pakistani Population. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11101206. [PMID: 33076578 PMCID: PMC7602870 DOI: 10.3390/genes11101206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex multifactorial neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders in children characterized by impairment of communication and social interaction. Several genes with associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been identified for ASD in different genetic association studies, meta-analyses, and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, associations between different SNPs and ASD vary from population to population. Four SNPs in genes CNTNAP2, EIF4E, ATP2B2, CACNA1C, and SNP rs4307059 (which is found between CDH9 and CDH10 genes) have been identified and reported as candidate risk factors for ASD. The aim of the present study was, for the first time, to assess the association of SNPs in these genes with ASD in the Pakistani population. PCR-based genotyping was performed using allele-specific primers in 93 ASD and 93 control Pakistani individuals. All genetic associations, genotype frequencies, and allele frequencies were computed as odds’ ratios (ORs) using logistic regression with a threshold of p ≤ 0.01 to determine statistical significance. We found that the homozygous genotypes of mutant T alleles of CNTNAP2 and ATP2B2 were significantly associated with Pakistani ASD patients in unadjusted ORs (p < 0.01), but their significance score was lost in the adjusted model. Other SNPs such as rs4307059, rs17850950 of EIF4E, and rs1006737 of CACNA1C were not statistically significant. Based on this, we conclude that SNPs are not associated with, or are not the main cause of, autism in the Pakistani population, indicating the involvement of additional players, which need to be investigated in future studies in a large population size. One of the limitations of present study is its small sample size. However, this study, being the first on Pakistani ASD patients, may lay the foundations for future studies in larger samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madiha Khalid
- Department of Biochemistry, University Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan; (M.K.); (A.S.)
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Hashim Raza
- Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan;
| | - Terri M. Driessen
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
| | - Paul J. Lee
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (P.J.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Leon Tejwani
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (P.J.L.); (L.T.)
| | - Abdul Sami
- Department of Biochemistry, University Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan; (M.K.); (A.S.)
| | - Muhammad Nawaz
- Department of Rheumatology and Inflammation Research, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 41346 Gothenburg, Sweden;
| | - Shahid Mehmood Baig
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan;
| | - Janghoo Lim
- Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA;
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; (P.J.L.); (L.T.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (G.K.R.); Tel.: +1-203-737-6268 (J.L.); +92-(051)-9062-742 (G.K.R.)
| | - Ghazala Kaukab Raja
- Department of Biochemistry, University Institute of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi 46000, Pakistan; (M.K.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.L.); (G.K.R.); Tel.: +1-203-737-6268 (J.L.); +92-(051)-9062-742 (G.K.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Recent advances in understanding the genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorder have allowed for unprecedented insight into its biological underpinnings. New studies have elucidated the contributions of a variety of forms of genetic variation to autism susceptibility. While the roles of de novo copy number variants and single-nucleotide variants-causing loss-of-function or missense changes-have been increasingly recognized and refined, mosaic single-nucleotide variants have been implicated more recently in some cases. Moreover, inherited variants (including common variants) and, more recently, rare recessive inherited variants have come into greater focus. Finally, noncoding variants-both inherited and de novo-have been implicated in the last few years. This work has revealed a convergence of diverse genetic drivers on common biological pathways and has highlighted the ongoing importance of increasing sample size and experimental innovation. Continuing to synthesize these genetic findings with functional and phenotypic evidence and translating these discoveries to clinical care remain considerable challenges for the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Dias
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; .,Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; .,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; .,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Hodges H, Fealko C, Soares N. Autism spectrum disorder: definition, epidemiology, causes, and clinical evaluation. Transl Pediatr 2020; 9:S55-S65. [PMID: 32206584 PMCID: PMC7082249 DOI: 10.21037/tp.2019.09.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. There have been recent concerns about increased prevalence, and this article seeks to elaborate on factors that may influence prevalence rates, including recent changes to the diagnostic criteria. The authors review evidence that ASD is a neurobiological disorder influenced by both genetic and environmental factors affecting the developing brain, and enumerate factors that correlate with ASD risk. Finally, the article describes how clinical evaluation begins with developmental screening, followed by referral for a definitive diagnosis, and provides guidance on screening for comorbid conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Holly Hodges
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Meyer Center for Developmental Pediatrics, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Casey Fealko
- Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| | - Neelkamal Soares
- Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Western Michigan University Homer Stryker MD School of Medicine, Kalamazoo, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Bene J, Szabo A, Komlósi K, Melegh B. Mass Spectrometric Analysis of L-carnitine and its Esters: Potential Biomarkers of Disturbances in Carnitine Homeostasis. Curr Mol Med 2020; 20:336-354. [PMID: 31729298 PMCID: PMC7231908 DOI: 10.2174/1566524019666191113120828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE After a golden age of classic carnitine research three decades ago, the spread of mass spectrometry opened new perspectives and a much better understanding of the carnitine system is available nowadays. In the classic period, several human and animal studies were focused on various distinct physiological functions of this molecule and these revealed different aspects of carnitine homeostasis in normal and pathological conditions. Initially, the laboratory analyses were based on the classic or radioenzymatic assays, enabling only the determination of free and total carnitine levels and calculation of total carnitine esters' amount without any information on the composition of the acyl groups. The introduction of mass spectrometry allowed the measurement of free carnitine along with the specific and sensitive determination of different carnitine esters. Beyond basic research, mass spectrometry study of carnitine esters was introduced into the newborn screening program because of being capable to detect more than 30 metabolic disorders simultaneously. Furthermore, mass spectrometry measurements were performed to investigate different disease states affecting carnitine homeostasis, such as diabetes, chronic renal failure, celiac disease, cardiovascular diseases, autism spectrum disorder or inflammatory bowel diseases. RESULTS This article will review the recent advances in the field of carnitine research with respect to mass spectrometric analyses of acyl-carnitines in normal and various pathological states. CONCLUSION The growing number of publications using mass spectrometry as a tool to investigate normal physiological conditions or reveal potential biomarkers of primary and secondary carnitine deficiencies shows that this tool brought a new perspective to carnitine research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judit Bene
- Department of Medical Genetics, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Andras Szabo
- Department of Medical Genetics, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Katalin Komlósi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Bela Melegh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Clinical Center, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Health- and oral health-related quality of life among preschool children with autism spectrum disorders. Eur Arch Paediatr Dent 2019; 21:363-371. [DOI: 10.1007/s40368-019-00500-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
23
|
Liang S, Li Z, Wang Y, Li X, Yang X, Zhan X, Huang Y, Gao Z, Zhang M, Sun C, Zhang Y, Wu L. Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Analysis Reveals Epigenetic Pattern of SH2B1 in Chinese Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:712. [PMID: 31379474 PMCID: PMC6660254 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder. Aberrant DNA methylation has been observed in ASD but the mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we employed discordant monozygotic twins to investigate the contribution of DNA methylation to ASD etiology. Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis was performed using samples obtained from five pairs of ASD-discordant monozygotic twins, which revealed a total of 2,397 differentially methylated genes. Further, such gene list was annotated with Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and demonstrated predominant activation of neurotrophin signaling pathway in ASD-discordant monozygotic twins. The methylation of SH2B1 gene was further confirmed in the ASD-discordant, ASD-concordant monozygotic twins, and a set of 30 pairs of sporadic case-control by bisulfite-pyrosequencing. The results showed that there was a greater DNA methylation difference in ASD-discordant monozygotic twins than ASD-concordant monozygotic twins. Further, verification of the Chr.16:28856743 of SH2B1 showed significant differences in DNA methylation between case and control. These results suggest abnormal methylation of SH2B1 is associated with ASD etiology. Our data suggest that it might be worthwhile to further explore the functions of SH2B1 and related genes of neurotrophin signaling pathway in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Liang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhenzhi Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Yihan Wang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaodan Li
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaolei Yang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaolei Zhan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Zhaomin Gao
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Caihong Sun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- College of Bioinformatics Science and Technology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Health, School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu YW, Liong MT, Chung YCE, Huang HY, Peng WS, Cheng YF, Lin YS, Wu YY, Tsai YC. Effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwan: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Nutrients 2019; 11:E820. [PMID: 30979038 PMCID: PMC6521002 DOI: 10.3390/nu11040820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
This four-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated the effects of Lactobacillus plantarum PS128 (PS128) on boys with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aged 7-15 in Taiwan. All subjects fulfilled the criteria for ASD diagnosis of DSM-V and the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R). Questionnaires used for the primary outcome measure include the Autism Behavior Checklist-Taiwan version (ABC-T), the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The Swanson, Nolan, and Pelham-IV-Taiwan version (SNAP-IV) and the Clinical Global Impression-improvement (CGI-I) were used for the secondary outcome measure. The results showed that PS128 ameliorated opposition/defiance behaviors, and that the total score of SNAP-IV for younger children (aged 712) improved significantly compared with the placebo group. Additionally, several elements were also notably improved in the PS128 group after 28-day consumption of PS128. Further studies are needed to better clarify the effects of PS128 for younger children with ASD on broader symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Wenn Liu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
- Microbiome Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Min Tze Liong
- School of Industrial Technology, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 11800, Malaysia.
| | - Yu-Chu Ella Chung
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10050, Taiwan.
| | - Hui-Yi Huang
- Department of Psychology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10090, Taiwan.
| | - Wu-Shun Peng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Fang Cheng
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Siou Lin
- Department of Psychology, National Chengchi University, Taipei 11605, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- YuNing Clinic, Taipei 10664, Taiwan.
| | - Ying-Chieh Tsai
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
- Microbiome Research Center, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen YN, Du HY, Shi ZY, He L, He YY, Wang D. Serum proteomic profiling for autism using magnetic bead-assisted matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry: a pilot study. World J Pediatr 2018; 14:233-237. [PMID: 29368242 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-017-0102-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders remains elusive and currently there are no diagnostic or predictive biomarkers in autism available. Proteomic profiling has been used in a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorder studies, which could produce deeper perceptions of the molecular bases behind certain disease and potentially becomes useful in discovering biomarkers in autism spectrum disorders. METHODS Serum samples were collected from autistic children about 3 years old in age (n = 32) and healthy controls (n = 20) in similar age and gender. The samples were identified specific proteins that are differentially expressed by magnetic bead-based pre-fractionation and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-ToF-MS). RESULTS Eight protein peaks were significantly different in autistic children from the healthy controls (P < 0.0001). The two peaks with the most significant differences were 6428 and 7758 Da in size. CONCLUSION According to differences in serum protein profiles between the autistic children and healthy controls, this study identified a set of differentially expressed proteins those are significant for further evaluation and might function as biomarkers in autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ni Chen
- Department of Health Care, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69 Xijuyuanxiang, Xi'an, 710002, China.
| | - Hui-Ying Du
- Department of Health Care, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69 Xijuyuanxiang, Xi'an, 710002, China
| | - Zhuo-Yue Shi
- Department of Biology, College of Liberal Arts and Science, The University of Iowa, Iowa, USA
| | - Li He
- Department of Health Care, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 69 Xijuyuanxiang, Xi'an, 710002, China
| | - Yu-Ying He
- Xi'an Maternal and Child Health Hospital, 73 West Street, Xi'an, 710002, China
| | - Duan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, Shannxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Yang J, Chen Y, Xiong X, Zhou X, Han L, Ni L, Wang W, Wang X, Zhao L, Shao D, Huang C. Peptidome Analysis Reveals Novel Serum Biomarkers for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder in China. Proteomics Clin Appl 2018; 12:e1700164. [DOI: 10.1002/prca.201700164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics; School of Basic Medical Sciences/Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases; Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center; Xi'an 710061 Shaanxi China
- Center of Computational Systems Medicine; School of Biomedical Informatics; University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston 77030 USA
| | - Yanni Chen
- Department of Pediatrics; Xi'an Children's Hospital; Xi'an 710003 Shaanxi China
| | - Xiaofan Xiong
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics; School of Basic Medical Sciences/Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases; Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center; Xi'an 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Xiaobo Zhou
- Center of Computational Systems Medicine; School of Biomedical Informatics; University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston; Houston 77030 USA
| | - Lin Han
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics; School of Basic Medical Sciences/Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases; Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center; Xi'an 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Lei Ni
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics; School of Basic Medical Sciences/Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases; Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center; Xi'an 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Wenjing Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery; First Affiliated Hospital; Xi'an Jiaotong University; Xi'an 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Xiaofei Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics; School of Basic Medical Sciences/Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases; Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center; Xi'an 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Lingyu Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics; School of Basic Medical Sciences/Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases; Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center; Xi'an 710061 Shaanxi China
| | - Dongdong Shao
- Department of Pediatrics; Xi'an Children's Hospital; Xi'an 710003 Shaanxi China
| | - Chen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics; School of Basic Medical Sciences/Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases; Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center; Xi'an 710061 Shaanxi China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Thai parental perception of the etiology of autism spectrum disorders with an emphasis on genetics. ASIAN BIOMED 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/abm-2010-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: More than 90% of cases of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are idiopathic and are multi-factorial inheritant in etiology. Although parental perceptions of ASDs etiologies including genetics have been investigated well in western countries, there is no study regarding Asian parental perspectives on the genetic etiology of ASDs. Objectives: Examine what Thai parents perceived to be the etiology of ASDs with particular focus on the role of genetics, and analyze the correlation between demographics of parents and the perception of genetics as an etiology of ASDs. Methods: Children diagnosed with an ASD at Ramathibodi Hospital were recruited, and 328 questionnaires were mailed to their parents between February 1 and March 31, 2008. Based on 252 answers received, the perception of genetics as an etiology of ASDs was evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results: Among 252 parents, 44.0% cited genetics, 52% cited other prenatal and perinatal factors such as stress and chemical exposure during pregnancy, 33% cited postnatal factors such as child rearing, child’s viewing of television, and playing computer game as etiologies of ASDs. Parents’ education, positive family history of ASDs, and positive family history of speech delay were all significantly associated with the perception of genetics as an etiology of ASDs. Conclusions: Less than half of Thai parents cited genetics as an etiology of ASDs. This finding alerts medical professionals to spend more time and effort to educate and counsel parents.
Collapse
|
28
|
Yu M, Cao T, Yu D, Huang F. Association Study Between Metallothionein-3 Protein Polymorphisms and Autism. Neurotox Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9858-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
|
29
|
Chen CH, Chen HI, Chien WH, Li LH, Wu YY, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Gau SSF. High resolution analysis of rare copy number variants in patients with autism spectrum disorder from Taiwan. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11919. [PMID: 28931914 PMCID: PMC5607249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12081-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare genomic copy number variations (CNVs) (frequency <1%) contribute a part to the genetic underpinnings of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The study aimed to understand the scope of rare CNV in Taiwanese patients with ASD. We conducted a genome-wide CNV screening of 335 ASD patients (299 males, 36 females) from Taiwan using Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 and compared the incidence of rare CNV with that of 1093 control subjects (525 males, 568 females). We found a significantly increased global burden of rare CNVs in the ASD group compared to the controls as a whole or when the rare CNVs were classified by the size and types of CNV. Further analysis confirmed the presence of several rare CNVs at regions strongly associated with ASD as reported in the literature in our sample. Additionally, we detected several new private pathogenic CNVs in our samples and five patients carrying two pathogenic CNVs. Our data indicate that rare genomic CNVs contribute a part to the genetic landscape of our ASD patients. These CNVs are highly heterogeneous, and the clinical interpretation of the pathogenic CNVs of ASD is not straightforward in consideration of the incomplete penetrance, varied expressivity, and individual genetic background.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-I Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsien Chien
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Hui Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Lewis KE, Sharan K, Takumi T, Yadav VK. Skeletal Site-specific Changes in Bone Mass in a Genetic Mouse Model for Human 15q11-13 Duplication Seen in Autism. Sci Rep 2017; 7:9902. [PMID: 28851986 PMCID: PMC5575059 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-09921-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Children suffering from autism have been reported to have low bone mineral density and increased risk for fracture, yet the cellular origin of the bone phenotype remains unknown. Here we have utilized a mouse model of autism that duplicates 6.3 Mb region of chromosome 7 (Dp/+) corresponding to a region of chromosome 15q11-13, duplication of which is recurrent in humans to characterize the bone phenotype. Paternally inherited Dp/+ (patDp/+) mice showed expected increases in the gene expression in bone, normal postnatal growth and body weight acquisition compared to the littermate controls. Four weeks-old patDp/+ mice develop a low bone mass phenotype in the appendicular but not the axial skeleton compared to the littermate controls. This low bone mass in the mutant mice was secondary to a decrease in the number of osteoblasts and bone formation rate while the osteoclasts remained relatively unaffected. Further in vitro cell culture experiments and gene expression analysis revealed a major defect in the proliferation, differentiation and mineralization abilities of patDp/+ osteoblasts while osteoclast differentiation remained unchanged compared to controls. This study therefore characterizes the structural and cellular bone phenotype in a mouse model of autism that can be further utilized to investigate therapeutic avenues to treat bone fractures in children with autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty E Lewis
- Department of Mouse and Zebrafish Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom.,Department of Physiology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Kunal Sharan
- Department of Mouse and Zebrafish Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom.,Department of Molecular Nutrition, CSIR-Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysore, India
| | - Toru Takumi
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute (BSI), Wako, Saitama, Japan.,Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Hiroshima University, Minami, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Vijay K Yadav
- Department of Mouse and Zebrafish Genetics, Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Cambridge, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom. .,Metabolic Research Laboratory, National Institute of Immunology, Aruna Asaf Ali Marg, New Delhi, 110067, India.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Noroozi R, Ghafouri-Fard S, Omrani MD, Habibi M, Sayad A, Taheri M. Association study of the vesicular monoamine transporter 1 (VMAT1) gene with autism in an Iranian population. Gene 2017; 625:10-14. [PMID: 28476685 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Revised: 04/29/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) (MIM 209850) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders distinguished by destructed social interaction and communication abilities along with peculiar repetitive behavior. Several genetic loci have been linked to this disorder. Vesicular monoamine transporter 1 (VMAT1/SLC18A1) is an attractive candidate gene for psychiatric disorders because of its participation in regulation monoamines. In the present case-control study, we evaluated the link between three non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (rs2270641 [Pro4Thr], rs2270637 [Thr98Ser] and rs1390938 [Thr136Ile]) and one intronic SNP (rs2279709) across the VMAT1 gene and ASD in a group of Iranian patients. Allele frequency analyses showed significant over-presentation of rs1390938-G allele in cases compared with controls (P<0.001). The analysis under different genetic models showed that the AA genotype of the rs1390938 was protective against ASD under dominant and recessive models. The rs2270641 SNP was associated with ASD risk only in over-dominant model. Other SNPs showed no significant difference in allele or genotype frequencies between two groups. Haplotype analysis revealed that C A T T and C A T G haplotypes (rs2270637, rs1390938, rs2279709 and rs2270641 respectively) have a protective effect against ASD. Consequently, the functional rs1390938 SNP in VMAT1 is associated with ASD in Iranian population. Considering the role of VMAT1 in regulation of monoamines, the dysregulated expression of this protein during early stages of brain development might be implicated in ASD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rezvan Noroozi
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mir Davood Omrani
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Urogenital stem cell research, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Habibi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arezou Sayad
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Urogenital stem cell research, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Reiff M, Bugos E, Giarelli E, Bernhardt BA, Spinner NB, Sankar PL, Mulchandani S. "Set in Stone" or "Ray of Hope": Parents' Beliefs About Cause and Prognosis After Genomic Testing of Children Diagnosed with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:1453-1463. [PMID: 28229350 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Despite increasing utilization of chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for autism spectrum disorders (ASD), limited information exists about how results influence parents' beliefs about etiology and prognosis. We conducted in-depth interviews and surveys with 57 parents of children with ASD who received CMA results categorized as pathogenic, negative or variant of uncertain significance. Parents tended to incorporate their child's CMA results within their existing beliefs about the etiology of ASD, regardless of CMA result. However, parents' expectations for the future tended to differ depending on results; those who received genetic confirmation for their children's ASD expressed a sense of concreteness, acceptance and permanence of the condition. Some parents expressed hope for future biomedical treatments as a result of genetic research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian Reiff
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Counseling and Psychological Services, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Eva Bugos
- Mixed Methods Research Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Population, Family, and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, USA
| | - Ellen Giarelli
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Barbara A Bernhardt
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nancy B Spinner
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics and the Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pamela L Sankar
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Surabhi Mulchandani
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics and the Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Cheng N, Rho JM, Masino SA. Metabolic Dysfunction Underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder and Potential Treatment Approaches. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:34. [PMID: 28270747 PMCID: PMC5318388 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by deficits in sociability and communication, and increased repetitive and/or restrictive behaviors. While the etio-pathogenesis of ASD is unknown, clinical manifestations are diverse and many possible genetic and environmental factors have been implicated. As such, it has been a great challenge to identify key neurobiological mechanisms and to develop effective treatments. Current therapies focus on co-morbid conditions (such as epileptic seizures and sleep disturbances) and there is no cure for the core symptoms. Recent studies have increasingly implicated mitochondrial dysfunction in ASD. The fact that mitochondria are an integral part of diverse cellular functions and are susceptible to many insults could explain how a wide range of factors can contribute to a consistent behavioral phenotype in ASD. Meanwhile, the high-fat, low-carbohydrate ketogenic diet (KD), used for nearly a century to treat medically intractable epilepsy, has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function through a multiplicity of mechanisms and affect additional molecular targets that may address symptoms and comorbidities of ASD. Here, we review the evidence for the use of metabolism-based therapies such as the KD in the treatment of ASD as well as emerging co-morbid models of epilepsy and autism. Future research directions aimed at validating such therapeutic approaches and identifying additional and novel mechanistic targets are also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ning Cheng
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jong M. Rho
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
- Clinical Neurosciences, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
- Physiology and Pharmacology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of CalgaryCalgary, AB, Canada
| | - Susan A. Masino
- Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Trinity CollegeHartford, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Al-Jabery K, Obafemi-Ajayi T, Olbricht GR, Takahashi TN, Kanne S, Wunsch D. Ensemble statistical and subspace clustering model for analysis of autism spectrum disorder phenotypes. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE OF THE IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. IEEE ENGINEERING IN MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY SOCIETY. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE 2016; 2016:3329-3333. [PMID: 28269016 DOI: 10.1109/embc.2016.7591440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Heterogeneity in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is complex including variability in behavioral phenotype as well as clinical, physiologic, and pathologic parameters. The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) now diagnoses ASD using a 2-dimensional model based social communication deficits and fixated interests and repetitive behaviors. Sorting out heterogeneity is crucial for study of etiology, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. In this paper, we present an ensemble model for analyzing ASD phenotypes using several machine learning techniques and a k-dimensional subspace clustering algorithm. Our ensemble also incorporates statistical methods at several stages of analysis. We apply this model to a sample of 208 probands drawn from the Simon Simplex Collection Missouri Site patients. The results provide useful evidence that is helpful in elucidating the phenotype complexity within ASD. Our model can be extended to other disorders that exhibit a diverse range of heterogeneity.
Collapse
|
35
|
Reiff M, Giarelli E, Bernhardt BA, Easley E, Spinner NB, Sankar PL, Mulchandani S. Parents' perceptions of the usefulness of chromosomal microarray analysis for children with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2016; 45:3262-75. [PMID: 26066358 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-015-2489-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Clinical guidelines recommend chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for all children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). We explored the test's perceived usefulness among parents of children with ASD who had undergone CMA, and received a result categorized as pathogenic, variant of uncertain significance, or negative. Fifty-seven parents participated in a semi-structured telephone interview, and 50 also completed a survey. Most parents reported that CMA was helpful for their child and family. Major themes regarding perceived usefulness were: medical care, educational and behavioral interventions, causal explanation, information for family members, and advancing knowledge. Limits to utility, uncertainties and negative outcomes were also identified. Our findings highlight the importance of considering both health and non-health related utility in genomic testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian Reiff
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Penn Tower Room 1112, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Ellen Giarelli
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Barbara A Bernhardt
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Penn Tower Room 1112, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Ebony Easley
- Mixed Methods Research Lab, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nancy B Spinner
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics and Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Pamela L Sankar
- Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Surabhi Mulchandani
- Division of Genomic Diagnostics and Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Keil KP, Lein PJ. DNA methylation: a mechanism linking environmental chemical exposures to risk of autism spectrum disorders? ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2016; 2:dvv012. [PMID: 27158529 PMCID: PMC4856164 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvv012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
There is now compelling evidence that gene by environment interactions are important in the etiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). However, the mechanisms by which environmental factors interact with genetic susceptibilities to confer individual risk for ASD remain a significant knowledge gap in the field. The epigenome, and in particular DNA methylation, is a critical gene expression regulatory mechanism in normal and pathogenic brain development. DNA methylation can be influenced by environmental factors such as diet, hormones, stress, drugs, or exposure to environmental chemicals, suggesting that environmental factors may contribute to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes of relevance to ASD via effects on DNA methylation in the developing brain. In this review, we describe epidemiological and experimental evidence implicating altered DNA methylation as a potential mechanism by which environmental chemicals confer risk for ASD, using polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), lead, and bisphenol A (BPA) as examples. Understanding how environmental chemical exposures influence DNA methylation and how these epigenetic changes modulate the risk and/or severity of ASD will not only provide mechanistic insight regarding gene-environment interactions of relevance to ASD but may also suggest potential intervention strategies for these and potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly P. Keil
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Pamela J. Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
- *Correspondence address. Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Drive, Davis, CA 95616, USA. Tel:
(530) 752-1970
; Fax:
(530) 752-7690
; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Navon D, Eyal G. Looping Genomes: Diagnostic Change and the Genetic Makeup of the Autism Population. AJS; AMERICAN JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY 2016; 121:1416-1471. [PMID: 27092389 DOI: 10.1086/684201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This article builds on Hacking's framework of "dynamic nominalism" to show how knowledge about biological etiology can interact with the "kinds of people" delineated by diagnostic categories in ways that "loop" or modify both over time. The authors use historical materials to show how "geneticization" played a crucial role in binding together autism as a biosocial community and how evidence from genetics research later made an important contribution to the diagnostic expansion of autism. In the second part of the article, the authors draw on quantitative and qualitative analyses of autism rates over time in several rare conditions that are delineated strictly according to genomic mutations in order to demonstrate that these changes in diagnostic practice helped to both increase autism's prevalence and create its enormous genetic heterogeneity. Thus, a looping process that began with geneticization and involved the social effects of genetics research itself transformed the autism population and its genetic makeup.
Collapse
|
38
|
Johnson NL, Burkett K, Reinhold J, Bultas MW. Translating Research to Practice for Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Part I: Definition, Associated Behaviors, Prevalence, Diagnostic Process, and Interventions. J Pediatr Health Care 2016; 30:15-26. [PMID: 26530271 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2015.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2015] [Revised: 09/12/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The number of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is rising, along with the potential for challenging behaviors during health care encounters. METHOD We present an overview of the emerging science related to ASD diagnosis and interventions for children with ASD. RESULTS Emerging science on ASD reveals common associated challenging behaviors, increasing prevalence, emphasis on early diagnosis at 18 to 24 months of age, changes in the diagnostic process with criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition, and interventions with medication, education, and behavior management. DISCUSSION Family and health care provider preparation strategies facilitate care of children with ASD and their families. Early diagnosis at 18 to 24 months of age and evidence-based interventions contribute to best outcomes for children and families. Health care providers must be aware of the state of the science for diagnosis and best practices to provide family-centered care for this growing population.
Collapse
|
39
|
Fujisawa TX, Nishitani S, Iwanaga R, Matsuzaki J, Kawasaki C, Tochigi M, Sasaki T, Kato N, Shinohara K. Association of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-Related Gene Variants with the Severity of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2016; 7:184. [PMID: 27899901 PMCID: PMC5110561 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2016.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to environmental chemicals, such as dioxin, is known to have adverse effects on the homeostasis of gonadal steroids, thereby potentially altering the sexual differentiation of the brain to express autistic traits. Dioxin-like chemicals act on the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), polymorphisms, and mutations of AhR-related gene may exert pathological influences on sexual differentiation of the brain, causing autistic traits. To ascertain the relationship between AhR-related gene polymorphisms and autism susceptibility, we identified genotypes of them in patients and controls and determined whether there are different gene and genotype distributions between both groups. In addition, to clarify the relationships between the polymorphisms and the severity of autism, we compared the two genotypes of AhR-related genes (rs2066853, rs2228099) with the severity of autistic symptoms. Although no statistically significant difference was found between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) patients and control individuals for the genotypic distribution of any of the polymorphisms studied herein, a significant difference in the total score of severity was observed in rs2228099 polymorphism, suggesting that the polymorphism modifies the severity of ASD symptoms but not ASD susceptibility. Moreover, we found that a significant difference in the social communication score of severity was observed. These results suggest that the rs2228099 polymorphism is possibly associated with the severity of social communication impairment among the diverse ASD symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takashi X Fujisawa
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan; Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Fukui, Japan
| | - Shota Nishitani
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki , Japan
| | - Ryoichiro Iwanaga
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki , Japan
| | - Junko Matsuzaki
- Nagasaki Municipal Welfare Center for the Handicapped , Nagasaki , Japan
| | | | - Mamoru Tochigi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Teikyo University School of Medicine , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Tsukasa Sasaki
- Department of Physical and Health Education, Graduate School of Education, The University of Tokyo , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Nobumasa Kato
- Medical Institute of Developmental Disabilities Research, Showa University , Tokyo , Japan
| | - Kazuyuki Shinohara
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University , Nagasaki , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Wegiel J, Flory M, Schanen NC, Cook EH, Nowicki K, Kuchna I, Imaki H, Ma SY, Wegiel J, London E, Casanova MF, Wisniewski T, Brown WT. Significant neuronal soma volume deficit in the limbic system in subjects with 15q11.2-q13 duplications. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2015; 3:63. [PMID: 26463344 PMCID: PMC4603300 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-015-0241-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism is diagnosed in numerous genetic and genomic developmental disorders associated with an overlap in high-risk genes and loci that underlie intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy. The aim of this stereological study of neuronal soma volume in 25 brain structures and their subdivisions in eight individuals 9 to 26 years of age who were diagnosed with chromosome 15q11.2-13.1 duplication syndrome [dup(15)], autism, ID and epilepsy; eight age-matched subjects diagnosed with autism of unknown etiology (idiopathic autism) and seven control individuals was to establish whether defects of neuronal soma growth are a common denominator of developmental pathology in idiopathic and syndromic autism and how genetic modifications alter the trajectory of neuronal soma growth in dup(15) autism. Results Application of the Nucleator software to estimate neuronal size revealed significant neuronal soma volume deficits in 11 of 25 structures and their subregions (44 %) in subjects diagnosed with dup(15) autism, including consistent neuronal soma volume deficits in the limbic system (sectors CA2, 3 and 4 in Ammon’s horn, the second and third layers of the entorhinal cortex and in the amygdala), as well as in the thalamus, nucleus accumbens, external globus pallidus, and Ch3 nucleus in the magnocellular basal complex, and in the inferior olive in the brainstem. The second feature distinguishing dup(15) autism was persistent neuronal soma deficits in adolescents and young adults, whereas in idiopathic autism, neuronal volume deficit is most prominent in 4- to 8-year-old children but affects only a few brain regions in older subjects. Conclusions This study demonstrates that alterations in the trajectory of neuronal growth throughout the lifespan are a core pathological features of idiopathic and syndromic autism. However, dup(15) causes persistent neuronal volume deficits in adolescence and adulthood, with prominent neuronal growth deficits in all major compartments of the limbic system. The more severe neuronal nuclear and cytoplasic volume deficits in syndromic autism found in this study and the more severe focal developmental defects in the limbic system in dup(15) previously reported in this cohort may contribute to the high prevalence of early onset intractable epilepsy and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy.
Collapse
|
41
|
Giarelli E, Reiff M. Mothers' appreciation of chromosomal microarray analysis for autism spectrum disorder. J SPEC PEDIATR NURS 2015; 20:244-58. [PMID: 26112659 DOI: 10.1111/jspn.12121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to examine mothers' experiences with chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) for a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). DESIGN AND METHODS This is a descriptive qualitative study using thematic content analysis of in-depth interview with 48 mothers of children who had genetic testing for ASD. RESULTS The principal theme, "something is missing," included missing knowledge about genetics, information on use of the results, explanations of the relevance to the diagnosis, and relevance to life-long care. Two subordinate themes were (a) disappreciation of the helpfulness of scientific information to explain the diagnosis, and (b) returning to personal experience for interpretation. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS The test "appreciated" in value when results could be linked to the phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Giarelli
- College of Nursing and Health Professions, Doctoral Nursing Program, Drexel University
| | - Marian Reiff
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kuo PH, Chuang LC, Su MH, Chen CH, Chen CH, Wu JY, Yen CJ, Wu YY, Liu SK, Chou MC, Chou WJ, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Gau SSF. Genome-Wide Association Study for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwanese Han Population. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138695. [PMID: 26398136 PMCID: PMC4580585 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with strong genetic components. Several recent genome-wide association (GWA) studies in Caucasian samples have reported a number of gene regions and loci correlated with the risk of ASD--albeit with very little consensus across studies. METHODS A two-stage GWA study was employed to identify common genetic variants for ASD in the Taiwanese Han population. The discovery stage included 315 patients with ASD and 1,115 healthy controls, using the Affymetrix SNP array 6.0 platform for genotyping. Several gene regions were then selected for fine-mapping and top markers were examined in extended samples. Single marker, haplotype, gene-based, and pathway analyses were conducted for associations. RESULTS Seven SNPs had p-values ranging from 3.4~9.9*10-6, but none reached the genome-wide significant level. Five of them were mapped to three known genes (OR2M4, STYK1, and MNT) with significant empirical gene-based p-values in OR2M4 (p = 3.4*10(-5)) and MNT (p = 0.0008). Results of the fine-mapping study showed single-marker associations in the GLIS1 (rs12082358 and rs12080993) and NAALADL2 (rs3914502 and rs2222447) genes, and gene-based associations for the OR2M3-OR2T5 (olfactory receptor genes, p = 0.02), and GLIPR1/KRR1 gene regions (p = 0.015). Pathway analyses revealed important pathways for ASD, such as olfactory and G protein-coupled receptors signaling pathways. CONCLUSIONS We reported Taiwanese Han specific susceptibility genes and variants for ASD. However, further replication in other Asian populations is warranted to validate our findings. Investigation in the biological functions of our reported genetic variants might also allow for better understanding on the underlying pathogenesis of autism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Po-Hsiu Kuo
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Research Center for Genes, Environment and Human Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Li-Chung Chuang
- Department of Nursing, Cardinal Tien Junior College of Healthcare & Management, I-Lan, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Hsin Su
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiun Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jer-Yuarn Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Jen Yen
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Kai Liu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Taoyaun Psychiatric Center, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Miao-Chun Chou
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Jiun Chou
- Department of Child Psychiatry, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, College of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Hua R, Wei M, Zhang C. The complex genetics in autism spectrum disorders. SCIENCE CHINA-LIFE SCIENCES 2015; 58:933-45. [PMID: 26335739 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-015-4893-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a pervasive neurodevelopmental disease characterized by deficits in social interaction and nonverbal communication, as well as restricted interests and stereotypical behavior. Genetic changes/heritability is one of the major contributing factors, and hundreds to thousands of causative and susceptible genes, copy number variants (CNVs), linkage regions, and microRNAs have been associated with ASD which clearly indicates that ASD is a complex genetic disorder. Here, we will briefly summarize some of the high-confidence genetic changes in ASD and their possible roles in their pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - MengPing Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Chen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, School of Life Sciences; PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Burket JA, Benson AD, Tang AH, Deutsch SI. NMDA receptor activation regulates sociability by its effect on mTOR signaling activity. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 60:60-5. [PMID: 25703582 PMCID: PMC5549784 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 01/22/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex is one example of a syndromic form of autism spectrum disorder associated with disinhibited activity of mTORC1 in neurons (e.g., cerebellar Purkinje cells). mTORC1 is a complex protein possessing serine/threonine kinase activity and a key downstream molecule in a signaling cascade beginning at the cell surface with the transduction of neurotransmitters (e.g., glutamate and acetylcholine) and nerve growth factors (e.g., Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor). Interestingly, the severity of the intellectual disability in Tuberous Sclerosis Complex may relate more to this metabolic disturbance (i.e., overactivity of mTOR signaling) than the density of cortical tubers. Several recent reports showed that rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1, improved sociability and other symptoms in mouse models of Tuberous Sclerosis Complex and autism spectrum disorder, consistent with mTORC1 overactivity playing an important pathogenic role. NMDA receptor activation may also dampen mTORC1 activity by at least two possible mechanisms: regulating intraneuronal accumulation of arginine and the phosphorylation status of a specific extracellular signal regulating kinase (i.e., ERK1/2), both of which are "drivers" of mTORC1 activity. Conceivably, the prosocial effects of targeting the NMDA receptor with agonists in mouse models of autism spectrum disorders result from their ability to dampen mTORC1 activity in neurons. Strategies for dampening mTORC1 overactivity by NMDA receptor activation may be preferred to its direct inhibition in chronic neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Burket
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Andrew D Benson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Amy H Tang
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Cell Biology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Stephen I Deutsch
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
There is now substantial evidence that autistic-like traits in the general population lie on a continuum, with clinical autism spectrum disorders (ASD) representing the extreme end of this distribution. In this study, we sought to evaluate five independently identified genetic associations with ASD with autistic-like traits in the general population. In the study cohort, clinical phenotype and genomewide association genotype data were obtained from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. The outcome measure used was the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ), a quantitative measure of autistic-like traits of individuals in the cohort. Total AQ scores were calculated for each individual, as well as scores for three subscales. Five candidate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with ASD, reported in previously published genomewide association studies, were selected using a nominal cutoff value of P less than 1.0×10. We tested whether these five SNPs were associated with total AQ and the subscales, after adjustment for possible confounders. SNP rs4141463 located in the macro domain containing 2 (MACROD2) gene was significantly associated with the Communication/Mindreading subscale. No other SNP was significantly associated with total AQ or the subscales. The MACROD2 gene is a strong positional candidate risk factor for autistic-like traits in the general population.
Collapse
|
46
|
A review of physical growth in children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. DEVELOPMENTAL REVIEW 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.dr.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
|
47
|
Grice SJ, Liu JL, Webber C. Synergistic interactions between Drosophila orthologues of genes spanned by de novo human CNVs support multiple-hit models of autism. PLoS Genet 2015; 11:e1004998. [PMID: 25816101 PMCID: PMC4376901 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are highly heritable and characterised by deficits in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted and repetitive behaviours. Although a number of highly penetrant ASD gene variants have been identified, there is growing evidence to support a causal role for combinatorial effects arising from the contributions of multiple loci. By examining synaptic and circadian neurological phenotypes resulting from the dosage variants of unique human:fly orthologues in Drosophila, we observe numerous synergistic interactions between pairs of informatically-identified candidate genes whose orthologues are jointly affected by large de novo copy number variants (CNVs). These CNVs were found in the genomes of individuals with autism, including a patient carrying a 22q11.2 deletion. We first demonstrate that dosage alterations of the unique Drosophila orthologues of candidate genes from de novo CNVs that harbour only a single candidate gene display neurological defects similar to those previously reported in Drosophila models of ASD-associated variants. We then considered pairwise dosage changes within the set of orthologues of candidate genes that were affected by the same single human de novo CNV. For three of four CNVs with complete orthologous relationships, we observed significant synergistic effects following the simultaneous dosage change of gene pairs drawn from a single CNV. The phenotypic variation observed at the Drosophila synapse that results from these interacting genetic variants supports a concordant phenotypic outcome across all interacting gene pairs following the direction of human gene copy number change. We observe both specificity and transitivity between interactors, both within and between CNV candidate gene sets, supporting shared and distinct genetic aetiologies. We then show that different interactions affect divergent synaptic processes, demonstrating distinct molecular aetiologies. Our study illustrates mechanisms through which synergistic effects resulting from large structural variation can contribute to human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J. Grice
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caleb Webber
- Medical Research Council Functional Genomics Unit, Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kim YS, Leventhal BL. Genetic epidemiology and insights into interactive genetic and environmental effects in autism spectrum disorders. Biol Psychiatry 2015; 77:66-74. [PMID: 25483344 PMCID: PMC4260177 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders has proven to be challenging. Using autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as a paradigmatic neurodevelopmental disorder, this article reviews the existing literature on the etiological substrates of ASD and explores how genetic epidemiology approaches including gene-environment interactions (G×E) can play a role in identifying factors associated with ASD etiology. New genetic and bioinformatics strategies have yielded important clues to ASD genetic substrates. The next steps for understanding ASD pathogenesis require significant effort to focus on how genes and environment interact with one another in typical development and its perturbations. Along with larger sample sizes, future study designs should include sample ascertainment that is epidemiologic and population-based to capture the entire ASD spectrum with both categorical and dimensional phenotypic characterization; environmental measurements with accuracy, validity, and biomarkers; statistical methods to address population stratification, multiple comparisons, and G×E of rare variants; animal models to test hypotheses; and new methods to broaden the capacity to search for G×E, including genome-wide and environment-wide association studies, precise estimation of heritability using dense genetic markers, and consideration of G×E both as the disease cause and a disease course modifier. Although examination of G×E appears to be a daunting task, tremendous recent progress in gene discovery has opened new horizons for advancing our understanding of the role of G×E in the pathogenesis of ASD and ultimately identifying the causes, treatments, and even preventive measures for ASD and other neurodevelopmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Young Shin Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California..
| | - Bennett L Leventhal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Schmidt RJ, Tancredi DJ, Krakowiak P, Hansen RL, Ozonoff S. Maternal intake of supplemental iron and risk of autism spectrum disorder. Am J Epidemiol 2014; 180:890-900. [PMID: 25249546 PMCID: PMC4207718 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwu208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2014] [Accepted: 07/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Iron deficiency affects 40%-50% of pregnancies. Iron is critical for early neurodevelopmental processes that are dysregulated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We examined maternal iron intake in relation to ASD risk in California-born children enrolled in a population-based case-control study (the Childhood Autism Risks from Genetics and the Environment (CHARGE) Study) from 2003 to 2009 with a diagnosis of ASD (n = 520) or typical development (n = 346) that was clinically confirmed using standardized assessments. Mean maternal daily iron intake was quantified on the basis of frequency, dose, and brands of supplements and cereals consumed each month from 3 months before pregnancy through the end of pregnancy and during breastfeeding (the index period), as reported in parental interviews. Mothers of cases were less likely to report taking iron-specific supplements during the index period (adjusted odds ratio = 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.44, 0.91), and they had a lower mean daily iron intake (51.7 (standard deviation, 34.0) mg/day) than mothers of controls (57.1 (standard deviation, 36.6) mg/day; P = 0.03). The highest quintile of iron intake during the index period was associated with reduced ASD risk compared with the lowest (adjusted odds ratio = 0.49, 95% confidence interval: 0.29, 0.82), especially during breastfeeding. Low iron intake significantly interacted with advanced maternal age and metabolic conditions; combined exposures were associated with a 5-fold increased ASD risk. Further studies of this link between maternal supplemental iron and ASD are needed to inform ASD prevention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Schmidt
- Correspondence to Dr. Rebecca J. Schmidt, Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, 123 MS1C, 1 Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-8638 (e-mail: )
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Common genetic variants on 1p13.2 associate with risk of autism. Mol Psychiatry 2014; 19:1212-9. [PMID: 24189344 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2013.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2013] [Revised: 08/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder, and known genetic variants, mostly rare, account only for a small proportion of cases. Here we report a genome-wide association study on autism using two Chinese cohorts as gene discovery (n=2150) and three data sets of European ancestry populations for replication analysis of top association signals. Meta-analysis identified three single-nucleotide polymorphisms, rs936938 (P=4.49 × 10(-8)), non-synonymous rs6537835 (P=3.26 × 10(-8)) and rs1877455 (P=8.70 × 10(-8)), and related haplotypes, AMPD1-NRAS-CSDE1, TRIM33 and TRIM33-BCAS2, associated with autism; all were mapped to a previously reported linkage region (1p13.2) with autism. These genetic associations were further supported by a cis-acting regulatory effect on the gene expressions of CSDE1, NRAS and TRIM33 and by differential expression of CSDE1 and TRIM33 in the human prefrontal cortex of post-mortem brains between subjects with and those without autism. Our study suggests TRIM33 and NRAS-CSDE1 as candidate genes for autism, and may provide a novel insight into the etiology of autism.
Collapse
|