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Aydin AG, Lemenze A, Bieszczad KM. Functional diversities within neurons and astrocytes in the adult rat auditory cortex revealed by single-nucleus RNA sequencing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.16.589831. [PMID: 38659766 PMCID: PMC11042262 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.16.589831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The mammalian cerebral cortex is composed of a rich diversity of cell types. Cortical cells are organized into networks that rely on their functional diversity to ultimately carry out a variety of sophisticated cognitive functions. To investigate the breadth of transcriptional diverse cell types in the sensory cortex, we have used single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) in the auditory cortex of the adult rat. A variety of unique excitatory and inhibitory neuron types were identified. In addition, we report for the first time a diversity of astrocytes in the auditory cortex that may represent functionally unique subtypes. Together, these results pave the way for building models of how neurons in the sensory cortex work in concert with astrocytes at synapses to fulfill high-cognitive functions like learning and memory.
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Llido JP, Fioriti E, Pascut D, Giuffrè M, Bottin C, Zanconati F, Tiribelli C, Gazzin S. Bilirubin-Induced Transcriptomic Imprinting in Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:834. [PMID: 37372119 DOI: 10.3390/biology12060834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Recent findings indicated aberrant epigenetic control of the central nervous system (CNS) development in hyperbilirubinemic Gunn rats as an additional cause of cerebellar hypoplasia, the landmark of bilirubin neurotoxicity in rodents. Because the symptoms in severely hyperbilirubinemic human neonates suggest other regions as privileged targets of bilirubin neurotoxicity, we expanded the study of the potential impact of bilirubin on the control of postnatal brain development to regions correlating with human symptoms. Histology, transcriptomic, gene correlation, and behavioral studies were performed. The histology revealed widespread perturbation 9 days after birth, restoring in adulthood. At the genetic level, regional differences were noticed. Bilirubin affected synaptogenesis, repair, differentiation, energy, extracellular matrix development, etc., with transient alterations in the hippocampus (memory, learning, and cognition) and inferior colliculi (auditory functions) but permanent changes in the parietal cortex. Behavioral tests confirmed the presence of a permanent motor disability. The data correlate well both with the clinic description of neonatal bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity, as well as with the neurologic syndromes reported in adults that suffered neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The results pave the way for better deciphering the neurotoxic features of bilirubin and evaluating deeply the efficacy of new therapeutic approaches against the acute and long-lasting sequels of bilirubin neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Paul Llido
- Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
- Department of Science and Technology, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, Bicutan, Taguig City 1631, Philippines
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, 34139 Trieste, Italy
| | - Emanuela Fioriti
- Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
| | - Devis Pascut
- Liver Cancer Unit, Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
| | - Mauro Giuffrè
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Cristina Bottin
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Zanconati
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Claudio Tiribelli
- Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
| | - Silvia Gazzin
- Liver Brain Unit "Rita Moretti", Fondazione Italiana Fegato-Onlus, Bldg. Q, AREA Science Park, 34149 Basovizza, Italy
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De Falco A, Iolascon A, Ascione F, Piscopo C. New Insights in 9q21.13 Microdeletion Syndrome: Genotype-Phenotype Correlation of 28 Patients. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:genes14051116. [PMID: 37239476 DOI: 10.3390/genes14051116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The implementation of array comparative genomic hybridisation (array-CGH) allows us to describe new microdeletion/microduplication syndromes which were previously not identified. 9q21.13 microdeletion syndrome is a genetic condition due to the loss of a critical genomic region of approximately 750kb and includes several genes, such as RORB and TRPM6. Here, we report a case of a 7-year-old boy affected by 9q21.13 microdeletion syndrome. He presents with global developmental delay, intellectual disability, autistic behaviour, seizures and facial dysmorphism. Moreover, he has severe myopia, which was previously reported in only another patient with 9q21.13 deletion, and brain anomalies which were never described before in 9q21.13 microdeletion syndrome. We also collect 17 patients from a literature search and 10 cases from DECIPHER database with a total number of 28 patients (including our case). In order to better investigate the four candidate genes RORB, TRPM6, PCSK5, and PRUNE2 for neurological phenotype, we make, for the first time, a classification in four groups of all the collected 28 patients. This classification is based both on the genomic position of the deletions included in the 9q21.3 locus deleted in our patient and on the different involvement of the four-candidate gene. In this way, we compare the clinical problems, the radiological findings, and the dysmorphic features of each group and of all the 28 patients in our article. Moreover, we perform the genotype-phenotype correlation of the 28 patients to better define the syndromic spectrum of 9q21.13 microdeletion syndrome. Finally, we propose a baseline ophthalmological and neurological monitoring of this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro De Falco
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, A.O.U. Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80136 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Achille Iolascon
- U.O.C. Genetica Medica, A.O.U. Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare di Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80136 Naples, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80145 Naples, Italy
| | - Flora Ascione
- Hospital Directorate, A.O.R.N. "Antonio Cardarelli", 80100 Naples, Italy
| | - Carmelo Piscopo
- Medical and Laboratory Genetics Unit, A.O.R.N. "Antonio Cardarelli", 80100 Naples, Italy
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Missense variants in ATP1A3 and FXYD gene family are associated with childhood-onset schizophrenia. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 25:821-830. [PMID: 29895895 PMCID: PMC6291354 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0103-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Childhood-onset schizophrenia (COS) is a rare and severe form of schizophrenia defined as onset before age of 13. Here we report on two unrelated cases diagnosed with both COS and alternating hemiplegia of childhood (AHC), and for whom two distinct pathogenic de novo variants were identified in the ATP1A3 gene. ATP1A3 encodes the α-subunit of a neuron-specific ATP-dependent transmembrane sodium-potassium pump. Using whole exome sequencing data derived from a cohort of 17 unrelated COS cases, we also examined ATP1A3 and all of its interactors known to be expressed in the brain to establish if variants could be identified. This led to the identification of a third case with a possibly damaging missense mutation in ATP1A3 and three others cases with predicted pathogenic missense variants in the FXYD gene family (FXYD1, FXYD6, and FXYD6-FXYD2 readthrough). FXYD genes encode proteins that modulate the ATP-dependant pump function. This report is the first to identify variants in the same pathway for COS. Our COS study illustrates the interest of stratifying a complex condition according to the age of onset for the identification of deleterious variants. Whereas ATP1A3 is a replicated gene in rare neuropediatric diseases, this gene has previously been linked with COS in only one case report. The association with rare variants in FXYD gene family is novel and highlights the interest of exploring these genes in COS as well as in pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Arshavsky YI. Neurons versus Networks: The Interplay between Individual Neurons and Neural Networks in Cognitive Functions. Neuroscientist 2016; 23:341-355. [PMID: 27660240 DOI: 10.1177/1073858416670124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The main paradigm of cognitive neuroscience is the connectionist concept postulating that the higher nervous activity is performed through interactions of neurons forming complex networks, whereas the function of individual neurons is restricted to generating electrical potentials and transmitting signals to other cells. In this article, I describe the observations from three fields-neurolinguistics, physiology of memory, and sensory perception-that can hardly be explained within the constraints of a purely connectionist concept. Rather, these examples suggest that cognitive functions are determined by specific properties of individual neurons and, therefore, are likely to be accomplished primarily at the intracellular level. This view is supported by the recent discovery that the brain's ability to create abstract concepts of particular individuals, animals, or places is performed by neurons ("concept cells") sparsely distributed in the medial temporal lobe.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuri I Arshavsky
- 1 BioCircuits Institute, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Arshavsky YI, Deliagina TG, Orlovsky GN. Central Pattern Generators: Mechanisms of Operation and Their Role in Controlling Automatic Movements. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1007/s11055-016-0299-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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Clerc P, Lipnick S, Willett C. A look into the future of ALS research. Drug Discov Today 2016; 21:939-49. [PMID: 26861067 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2016.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 02/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also referred as 'Lou Gehrig's Disease,' was first described in 1869 and the first disease-associated gene was discovered almost 20 years ago, the disease etiology is still not fully understood and treatment options are limited to one drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The slow translational progress suggests that current research models are not ideal to study such a complicated disease and need to be re-examined. Progress will require greater insight into human genes and biology involved in ALS susceptibility, as well as a deeper understanding of disease phenotype at the histological and molecular levels. Improving human disease outcome will require directing focus toward improved assessment technologies and innovative approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascaline Clerc
- The Humane Society of the United States, 700 Professional Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA.
| | - Scott Lipnick
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Department of Medicine, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Catherine Willett
- The Humane Society of the United States, 700 Professional Drive, Gaithersburg, MD 20879, USA
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Ljubisavljevic MR, Javid A, Oommen J, Parekh K, Nagelkerke N, Shehab S, Adrian TE. The Effects of Different Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) Protocols on Cortical Gene Expression in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemic-Reperfusion Injury. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0139892. [PMID: 26431529 PMCID: PMC4592250 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0139892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Although repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in treatment of stroke in humans has been explored over the past decade the data remain controversial in terms of optimal stimulation parameters and the mechanisms of rTMS long-term effects. This study aimed to explore the potential of different rTMS protocols to induce changes in gene expression in rat cortices after acute ischemic-reperfusion brain injury. The stroke was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with subsequent reperfusion. Changes in the expression of 96 genes were examined using low-density expression arrays after MCAO alone and after MCAO combined with 1Hz, 5Hz, continuous (cTBS) and intermittent (iTBS) theta-burst rTMS. rTMS over the lesioned hemisphere was given for two weeks (with a 2-day pause) in a single daily session and a total of 2400 pulses. MCAO alone induced significant upregulation in the expression of 44 genes and downregulation in 10. Two weeks of iTBS induced significant increase in the expression of 52 genes. There were no downregulated genes. 1Hz and 5Hz had no significant effects on gene expression, while cTBS effects were negligible. Upregulated genes included those involved in angiogenesis, inflammation, injury response and cellular repair, structural remodeling, neuroprotection, neurotransmission and neuronal plasticity. The results show that long-term rTMS in acute ischemic-reperfusion brain injury induces complex changes in gene expression that span multiple pathways, which generally promote the recovery. They also demonstrate that induced changes primarily depend on the rTMS frequency (1Hz and 5Hz vs. iTBS) and pattern (cTBS vs. iTBS). The results further underlines the premise that one of the benefits of rTMS application in stroke may be to prime the brain, enhancing its potential to cope with the injury and to rewire. This could further augment its potential to favorably respond to rehabilitation, and to restore some of the loss functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milos R. Ljubisavljevic
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
- * E-mail:
| | - Asma Javid
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Joji Oommen
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Khatija Parekh
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Nico Nagelkerke
- Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme, Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, College of Medicine, Blantyre, Malawi
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Safa Shehab
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
| | - Thomas E. Adrian
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, UAE
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Abstract
The approximately 350 ion channels encoded by the mammalian genome are a main pillar of the nervous system. We have determined the expression pattern of 320 channels in the two-week-old (P14) rat brain by means of non-radioactive robotic in situ hybridization. Optimized methods were developed and implemented to generate stringently coronal brain sections. The use of standardized methods permits a direct comparison of expression patterns across the entire ion channel expression pattern data set and facilitates recognizing ion channel co-expression. All expression data are made publically available at the Genepaint.org database. Inwardly rectifying potassium channels (Kir, encoded by the Kcnj genes) regulate a broad spectrum of physiological processes. Kcnj channel expression patterns generated in the present study were fitted with a deformable subdivision mesh atlas produced for the P14 rat brain. This co-registration, when combined with numerical quantification of expression strengths, allowed for semi-quantitative automated annotation of expression patterns as well as comparisons among and between Kcnj subfamilies. The expression patterns of Kcnj channel were also cross validated against previously published expression patterns of Kcnj channel genes.
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Ersland KM, Håvik B, Rinholm JE, Gundersen V, Stansberg C, Steen VM. LOC689986, a unique gene showing specific expression in restricted areas of the rodent neocortex. BMC Neurosci 2013; 14:68. [PMID: 23844656 PMCID: PMC3717020 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-14-68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The neocortex is a highly specialised and complex brain structure, involved in numerous tasks, ranging from processing and interpretation of somatosensory information, to control of motor functions. The normal function linked to distinct neocortical areas might involve control of highly specific gene expression, and in order to identify such regionally enriched genes, we previously analysed the global gene expression in three different cortical regions (frontomedial, temporal and occipital cortex) from the adult rat brain. We identified distinct sets of differentially expressed genes. One of these genes, namely the hypothetical protein LOC689986 (LOC689986), was of particular interest, due to an almost exclusive expression in the temporal cortex. Results Detailed analysis of LOC689986 in the adult rat brain confirmed the expression in confined areas of parieto-temporal cortex, and revealed highly specific expression in layer 4 of the somatosensory cortex, with sharp borders towards the neighbouring motor cortex. In addition, LOC689986 was found to be translated in vivo, and was detected in the somatosensory cortex and in the Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex. The protein was present in neuronal dendrites and also in astrocyte cells. Finally, this unique gene is apparently specific for, and highly conserved in, the vertebrate lineage. Conclusions In this study, we have partially characterised the highly conserved LOC689986 gene, which is specific to the vertebrate linage. The gene displays a distinct pattern of expression in layer 4 of the somatosensory cortex, and areas of the parieto-temporal cortex in rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari M Ersland
- Dr E, Martens Research Group for Biological Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Boudry-Labis E, Demeer B, Le Caignec C, Isidor B, Mathieu-Dramard M, Plessis G, George AM, Taylor J, Aftimos S, Wiemer-Kruel A, Kohlhase J, Annerén G, Firth H, Simonic I, Vermeesch J, Thuresson AC, Copin H, Love DR, Andrieux J. A novel microdeletion syndrome at 9q21.13 characterised by mental retardation, speech delay, epilepsy and characteristic facial features. Eur J Med Genet 2012; 56:163-70. [PMID: 23279911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2012.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The increased use of array-CGH and SNP-arrays for genetic diagnosis has led to the identification of new microdeletion/microduplication syndromes and enabled genotype-phenotype correlations to be made. In this study, nine patients with 9q21 deletions were investigated and compared with four previously Decipher reported patients. Genotype-phenotype comparisons of 13 patients revealed several common major characteristics including significant developmental delay, epilepsy, neuro-behavioural disorders and recognizable facial features including hypertelorism, feature-less philtrum, and a thin upper lip. The molecular investigation identified deletions with different breakpoints and of variable lengths, but the 750 kb smallest overlapping deleted region includes four genes. Among these genes, RORB is a strong candidate for a neurological phenotype. To our knowledge, this is the first published report of 9q21 microdeletions and our observations strongly suggest that these deletions are responsible for a new genetic syndrome characterised by mental retardation with speech delay, epilepsy, autistic behaviour and moderate facial dysmorphy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Boudry-Labis
- Institut de Génétique Médicale, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, CHRU de Lille, Avenue Eugène Avinée, 59037 Lille, France.
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Sanogo YO, Band M, Blatti C, Sinha S, Bell AM. Transcriptional regulation of brain gene expression in response to a territorial intrusion. Proc Biol Sci 2012; 279:4929-38. [PMID: 23097509 DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2012.2087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aggressive behaviour associated with territorial defence is widespread and has fitness consequences. However, excess aggression can interfere with other important biological functions such as immunity and energy homeostasis. How the expression of complex behaviours such as aggression is regulated in the brain has long intrigued ethologists, but has only recently become amenable for molecular dissection in non-model organisms. We investigated the transcriptomic response to territorial intrusion in four brain regions in breeding male threespined sticklebacks using expression microarrays and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Each region of the brain had a distinct genomic response to a territorial challenge. We identified a set of genes that were upregulated in the diencephalon and downregulated in the cerebellum and the brain stem. Cis-regulatory network analysis suggested transcription factors that regulated or co-regulated genes that were consistently regulated in all brain regions and others that regulated gene expression in opposing directions across brain regions. Our results support the hypothesis that territorial animals respond to social challenges via transcriptional regulation of genes in different brain regions. Finally, we found a remarkably close association between gene expression and aggressive behaviour at the individual level. This study sheds light on the molecular mechanisms in the brain that underlie the response to social challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibayiri O Sanogo
- Integrative Biology, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, IL, USA
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Le Hellard S, Hanson I. The Imaging and Cognition Genetics Conference 2011, ICG 2011: A Meeting of Minds. Front Neurosci 2012; 6:74. [PMID: 22654732 PMCID: PMC3359444 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2012.00074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In June 2011, 70 researchers from the disciplines of cognitive science, genetics, psychology, psychiatry, neurobiology, and computer science gathered in Os, Norway, for the first Imaging and Cognition Genetics meeting. The aim of the conference was to discuss progress, enhance collaboration, and maximize the sharing of resources within this new field. In this Perspective, we summarize the major themes that emerged from ICG 2011. The first is the importance of defining cognitive and imaging phenotypes and endophenotypes suitable for genetic analysis. These can come from differential psychology, cognitive science, structural MRI, tractography, and functional imaging. The second theme is the emergence of new methods for the analysis of complex traits. These include advanced computational and statistical techniques for analyzing complex datasets, and new ways of interpreting data from genome-wide association studies, such as jointly evaluating the contribution of SNPs in specific genes and pathways rather than considering single SNPs in isolation. The final theme is the importance of establishing functional correlates of newly identified genetic variants.
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Gene-based analysis of regionally enriched cortical genes in GWAS data sets of cognitive traits and psychiatric disorders. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31687. [PMID: 22384057 PMCID: PMC3285182 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite its estimated high heritability, the genetic architecture leading to differences in cognitive performance remains poorly understood. Different cortical regions play important roles in normal cognitive functioning and impairment. Recently, we reported on sets of regionally enriched genes in three different cortical areas (frontomedial, temporal and occipital cortices) of the adult rat brain. It has been suggested that genes preferentially, or specifically, expressed in one region or organ reflect functional specialisation. Employing a gene-based approach to the analysis, we used the regionally enriched cortical genes to mine a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of the Norwegian Cognitive NeuroGenetics (NCNG) sample of healthy adults for association to nine psychometric tests measures. In addition, we explored GWAS data sets for the serious psychiatric disorders schizophrenia (SCZ) (n = 3 samples) and bipolar affective disorder (BP) (n = 3 samples), to which cognitive impairment is linked. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS At the single gene level, the temporal cortex enriched gene RAR-related orphan receptor B (RORB) showed the strongest overall association, namely to a test of verbal intelligence (Vocabulary, P = 7.7E-04). We also applied gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to test the candidate genes, as gene sets, for enrichment of association signal in the NCNG GWAS and in GWASs of BP and of SCZ. We found that genes differentially expressed in the temporal cortex showed a significant enrichment of association signal in a test measure of non-verbal intelligence (Reasoning) in the NCNG sample. CONCLUSION Our gene-based approach suggests that RORB could be involved in verbal intelligence differences, while the genes enriched in the temporal cortex might be important to intellectual functions as measured by a test of reasoning in the healthy population. These findings warrant further replication in independent samples on cognitive traits.
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