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Seng GJ, Lai MC, Goh JOS, Tseng WYI, Gau SSF. Gray matter volume alteration is associated with insistence on sameness and cognitive flexibility in autistic youth. Autism Res 2022; 15:1209-1221. [PMID: 35491911 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are hallmark characteristics of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Previous studies suggest that insistence on sameness (IS) characterized as higher-order RRBs may be a promising subgrouping variable for ASD. Cognitive inflexibility may underpin IS behaviors. However, the neuroanatomical correlates of IS and associated cognitive functions remain unclear. We analyzed data from 140 autistic youth and 124 typically developing (TD) youth (mean age = 15.8 years). Autistic youth were stratified by median-split based on three current IS items in the autism diagnostic interview-revised into two groups (high, HIS, n = 70, and low, LIS, n = 70). Differences in cognitive flexibility were assessed by the Cambridge neuropsychological test automated battery (CANTAB). T1-weighted brain structural images were analyzed using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to identify differences in gray matter (GM) volume among the three groups. GM volume of regions showing group differences was then correlated with cognitive flexibility. The HIS group showed decreased GM volumes in the left supramarginal gyrus compared to the LIS group and increased GM volumes in the vermis VIII and left cerebellar lobule VIII compared to TD individuals. We did not find significant correlations between regional GM volumes and extra-dimensional shift errors. IS may be a unique RRB component and a potentially valuable stratifier of ASD. However, the neurocognitive underpinnings require further clarification. LAY SUMMARY: The present study found parietal, temporal and cerebellar gray matter volume alterations in autistic youth with greater insistence on sameness. The findings suggest that insistence on sameness may be a useful feature to parse the heterogeneity of the autism spectrum yet further research investigating the underlying neurocognitive mechanism is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guan-Jye Seng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Meng-Chuan Lai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,The Margaret and Wallace McCain Centre for Child, Youth & Family Mental Health and Azrieli Adult Neurodevelopmental Centre, Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Autism Research Unit, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Joshua Oon Soo Goh
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yih Issac Tseng
- College of Medicine, Institute of Medical Device and Imaging, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital & College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Neurobiology and Cognitive Science Center, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychology, College of Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Uljarević M, Frazier TW, Jo B, Billingham WD, Cooper MN, Youngstrom EA, Scahill L, Hardan AY. Big Data Approach to Characterize Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in Autism. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 61:446-457. [PMID: 34391858 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Despite being a core diagnostic feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), demographic, developmental and clinical correlates of restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests (RRB) remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to utilize the largest available RRB data set to date to provide a comprehensive characterization of how distinct RRB domains vary according to a range of individual characteristics. METHOD Data were obtained from 17,581 children and adolescents with ASD (meanage= 8.24 years, SDage= 4.06) from the Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research for Knowledge cohort. Caregivers completed the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised questionnaire as a measure of repetitive motor behaviors, self-injurious behaviors, compulsions, insistence on sameness, and circumscribed interests RRB domains. Caregivers also provided information on children's cognitive functioning, language ability, and social and communication impairments. RESULTS Male sex was associated with higher severity of repetitive motor behaviors and restricted interests and with lower severity of compulsions and self-injurious behaviors; no sex differences were found for the insistence on sameness domain. Although repetitive motor behaviors showed a mostly linear (negative) association with age, other RRB domains showed more complex and nonlinear pattern of associations. Higher severity of social and communication impairments provided significant independent contribution in predicting higher severity of all RRB domains at the p < .001 level; however, these effects were small (d < 0.25). The strongest of these effects was observed for insistence on sameness (d = 0.24), followed by repetitive motor behaviors (d = 0.21), compulsions (d = 0.17), restricted interests (d = 0.14), and self-injurious behaviors (d = 0.12). CONCLUSION Findings reported here provide further evidence that RRB subdomains show a somewhat distinct pattern of associations with demographic, developmental, and clinical variables, with a key implication that separate consideration of these domains can help to facilitate efforts to understand diverse ASD etiology and to inform the design of effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Uljarević
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
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Havdahl A, Niarchou M, Starnawska A, Uddin M, van der Merwe C, Warrier V. Genetic contributions to autism spectrum disorder. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2260-2273. [PMID: 33634770 PMCID: PMC8477228 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (autism) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by early childhood-onset impairments in communication and social interaction alongside restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. This review summarizes recent developments in human genetics research in autism, complemented by epigenetic and transcriptomic findings. The clinical heterogeneity of autism is mirrored by a complex genetic architecture involving several types of common and rare variants, ranging from point mutations to large copy number variants, and either inherited or spontaneous (de novo). More than 100 risk genes have been implicated by rare, often de novo, potentially damaging mutations in highly constrained genes. These account for substantial individual risk but a small proportion of the population risk. In contrast, most of the genetic risk is attributable to common inherited variants acting en masse, each individually with small effects. Studies have identified a handful of robustly associated common variants. Different risk genes converge on the same mechanisms, such as gene regulation and synaptic connectivity. These mechanisms are also implicated by genes that are epigenetically and transcriptionally dysregulated in autism. Major challenges to understanding the biological mechanisms include substantial phenotypic heterogeneity, large locus heterogeneity, variable penetrance, and widespread pleiotropy. Considerable increases in sample sizes are needed to better understand the hundreds or thousands of common and rare genetic variants involved. Future research should integrate common and rare variant research, multi-omics data including genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics, and refined phenotype assessment with multidimensional and longitudinal measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Havdahl
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, PROMENTA Research Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - M. Niarchou
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN, USA
| | - A. Starnawska
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Center for Genomics for Personalized Medicine, CGPM, and Center for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M. Uddin
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - C. van der Merwe
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, MA, USA
| | - V. Warrier
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, UK
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Li Y, Nan B, Zhu J. A Structured Brain-wide and Genome-wide Association Study Using ADNI PET Images. CAN J STAT 2021; 49:182-202. [PMID: 34566241 DOI: 10.1002/cjs.11605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
A multi-stage variable selection method is introduced for detecting association signals in structured brain-wide and genome-wide association studies (brain-GWAS). Compared to conventional single-voxel-to-single-SNP approaches, our approach is more efficient and powerful in selecting the important signals by integrating anatomic and gene grouping structures in the brain and the genome, respectively. It avoids large number of multiple comparisons while effectively controls the false discoveries. Validity of the proposed approach is demonstrated by both theoretical investigation and numerical simulations. We apply the proposed method to a brain-GWAS using ADNI PET imaging and genomic data. We confirm previously reported association signals and also find several novel SNPs and genes that either are associated with brain glucose metabolism or have their association significantly modified by Alzheimer's disease status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Li
- Department of Biotatistics & Data Science, University of Kansas Medical Center Kansas City, KS 66160
| | - Bin Nan
- Department of Statistics, University of California at Irvine Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Ji Zhu
- Department of Statistics, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, MI 48109
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McCracken JT, Anagnostou E, Arango C, Dawson G, Farchione T, Mantua V, McPartland J, Murphy D, Pandina G, Veenstra-VanderWeele J. Drug development for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Progress, challenges, and future directions. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2021; 48:3-31. [PMID: 34158222 PMCID: PMC10062405 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In 2017, facing lack of progress and failures encountered in targeted drug development for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and related neurodevelopmental disorders, the ISCTM with the ECNP created the ASD Working Group charged to identify barriers to progress and recommending research strategies for the field to gain traction. Working Group international academic, regulatory and industry representatives held multiple in-person meetings, teleconferences, and subgroup communications to gather a wide range of perspectives on lessons learned from extant studies, current challenges, and paths for fundamental advances in ASD therapeutics. This overview delineates the barriers identified, and outlines major goals for next generation biomedical intervention development in ASD. Current challenges for ASD research are many: heterogeneity, lack of validated biomarkers, need for improved endpoints, prioritizing molecular targets, comorbidities, and more. The Working Group emphasized cautious but unwavering optimism for therapeutic progress for ASD core features given advances in the basic neuroscience of ASD and related disorders. Leveraging genetic data, intermediate phenotypes, digital phenotyping, big database discovery, refined endpoints, and earlier intervention, the prospects for breakthrough treatments are substantial. Recommendations include new priorities for expanded research funding to overcome challenges in translational clinical ASD therapeutic research.
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Affiliation(s)
- James T McCracken
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90024, United States.
| | | | - Celso Arango
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Hospital General Univesitario Gregorio Maranon, and School of Medicine, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, CIBERSAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Tiffany Farchione
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | - Valentina Mantua
- Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
| | | | - Declan Murphy
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, United Kingdom
| | - Gahan Pandina
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research & Development, Pennington, New Jersey, United States
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Uljarević M, Jo B, Frazier TW, Scahill L, Youngstrom EA, Hardan AY. Using the big data approach to clarify the structure of restricted and repetitive behaviors across the most commonly used autism spectrum disorder measures. Mol Autism 2021; 12:39. [PMID: 34044873 PMCID: PMC8162018 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00419-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) encompass several distinct domains. However, commonly used general ASD measures provide broad RRB scores rather than assessing separate RRB domains. The main objective of the current investigation was to conduct a psychometric evaluation of the ability of the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS-2), the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ), the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) to capture different RRB constructs. METHODS Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) was conducted using individual item-level data from the SRS-2, SCQ, ADI-R and the ADOS. Data were obtained from five existing publicly available databases. For the SRS-2, the final sample consisted of N = 16,761 individuals (Mage = 9.43, SD = 3.73; 18.5% female); for the SCQ, of N = 15,840 (Mage = 7.99, SD = 4.06; 18.1% female); for the ADI-R, of N = 8985 (Mage = 8.86, SD = 4.68; 19.4% female); and for the ADOS, of N = 6314 (Mage = 12.29, SD = 6.79; 17.7% female). RESULTS The three-factor structure provided the most optimal and interpretable fit to data for all measures (comparative fit index ≥ .983, Tucker Lewis index ≥ .966, root mean square error of approximation ≤ .028). Repetitive-motor behaviors, insistence on sameness and unusual or circumscribed interests factors emerged across all instruments. No acceptable fit was identified for the ADOS. LIMITATIONS The five datasets used here afforded a large as well as wide distribution of the RRB item scores. However, measures used for establishing convergent and divergent validity were only available for a portion of the sample. CONCLUSIONS Reported findings offer promise for capturing important RRB domains using general ASD measures and highlight the need for measurement development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Uljarević
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Booil Jo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Thomas W. Frazier
- Department of Psychology, John Carroll University, University Heights, OH USA
| | - Lawrence Scahill
- Marcus Autism Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA USA
| | - Eric A. Youngstrom
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Davie Hall, Chapel Hill, NC USA
| | - Antonio Y. Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
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Uljarević M, Cooper MN, Bebbington K, Glasson EJ, Maybery MT, Varcin K, Alvares GA, Wray J, Leekam SR, Whitehouse AJO. Deconstructing the repetitive behaviour phenotype in autism spectrum disorder through a large population-based analysis. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 61:1030-1042. [PMID: 32037582 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Restricted and repetitive pattern of behaviours and interests (RRB) are a cardinal feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but there remains uncertainty about how these diverse behaviours vary according to individual characteristics. This study provided the largest exploration to date of the relationship between Repetitive Motor Behaviours, Rigidity/Insistence on Sameness and Circumscribed Interests with other individual characteristics in newly diagnosed individuals with ASD. METHOD Participants (N = 3,647; 17.7% females; Mage = 6.6 years [SD = 4.7]) were part of the Western Australian (WA) Register for ASD, an independent, prospective collection of demographic and diagnostic data of newly diagnosed cases of ASD in WA. Diagnosticians rated each of the DSM-IV-TR criteria on a 4-point Likert severity scale, and here we focused on the Repetitive Motor Behaviours, Insistence on Sameness and Circumscribed Interests symptoms. RESULTS The associations between RRB domains, indexed by Kendall's Tau, were weak, ranging from non-significant for both Circumscribed Interests and Repetitive Motor Behaviours to significant (.20) for Insistence on Sameness and Repetitive Motor Behaviours. Older age at diagnosis was significantly associated with lower Circumscribed Interests and significantly associated with higher Insistence on Sameness and Repetitive Motor Behaviours. Male sex was significantly associated with higher Repetitive Motor Behaviours but not Insistence on Sameness or Circumscribed Interests. CONCLUSIONS The pattern of associations identified in this study provides suggestive evidence for the distinctiveness of Repetitive Motor Behaviours, Insistence on Sameness and Circumscribed Interests, highlighting the potential utility of RRB domains for stratifying the larger ASD population into smaller, more phenotypically homogeneous subgroups that can help to facilitate efforts to understand diverse ASD aetiology and inform design of future interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Uljarević
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford Autism Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Matthew N Cooper
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Keely Bebbington
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Emma J Glasson
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Murray T Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Kandice Varcin
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Gail A Alvares
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - John Wray
- Child Development Service, WA Department of Health, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Susan R Leekam
- Wales Autism Research Centre, School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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Quantitative genome-wide association study of six phenotypic subdomains identifies novel genome-wide significant variants in autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:215. [PMID: 32624584 PMCID: PMC7335742 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-00906-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are highly heritable and are characterized by deficits in social communication and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Twin studies on phenotypic subdomains suggest a differing underlying genetic etiology. Studying genetic variation explaining phenotypic variance will help to identify specific underlying pathomechanisms. We investigated the effect of common variation on ASD subdomains in two cohorts including >2500 individuals. Based on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), we identified and confirmed six subdomains with a SNP-based genetic heritability h2SNP = 0.2-0.4. The subdomains nonverbal communication (NVC), social interaction (SI), and peer interaction (PI) shared genetic risk factors, while the subdomains of repetitive sensory-motor behavior (RB) and restricted interests (RI) were genetically independent of each other. The polygenic risk score (PRS) for ASD as categorical diagnosis explained 2.3-3.3% of the variance of SI, joint attention (JA), and PI, 4.5% for RI, 1.2% of RB, but only 0.7% of NVC. We report eight genome-wide significant hits-partially replicating previous findings-and 292 known and novel candidate genes. The underlying biological mechanisms were related to neuronal transmission and development. At the SNP and gene level, all subdomains showed overlap, with the exception of RB. However, no overlap was observed at the functional level. In summary, the ADI-R algorithm-derived subdomains related to social communication show a shared genetic etiology in contrast to restricted and repetitive behaviors. The ASD-specific PRS overlapped only partially, suggesting an additional role of specific common variation in shaping the phenotypic expression of ASD subdomains.
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McDermott CR, Farmer C, Gotham KO, Bal VH. Measurement of subcategories of repetitive behaviors in autistic adolescents and adults. AUTISM IN ADULTHOOD 2020; 2:48-60. [PMID: 32766532 DOI: 10.1089/aut.2019.0056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Background Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are core features of autism. Factor-analytic studies comprised primarily of children have provided evidence for two domains of RRBs: Repetitive Sensory Motor (RSM) and Insistence on Sameness (IS) behaviors. The present study explores the validity of the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R) for assessing these RRB subtypes in autistic adolescents and adults. Methods The sample included 293 participants (Mage=19.89, SD=4.88 years) whose RRBs were assessed via ADI-R or RBS-R Caregiver-report or RBS-R Self-Report. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted to assess the validity of the two-factor structure for each instrument. Cronbach's alpha was computed to assess subscale reliability. Correlations were examined between instrument subscales, NVIQ and age. Results Exploratory correlations were modest and provided weak evidence in favor of the utility of a CFA for the ADI-R. The RBS-R Caregiver and Self-Report CFA and internal consistencies supported the two-factor RSM and IS model tested. Consistent with previous literature, NVIQ was negatively correlated with the RBS-R Caregiver RSM subscale, but not meaningfully associated with IS. Neither RBS-R Self-Report subscale were meaningfully correlated with NVIQ. Across instruments, RSM subscales were correlated, but associations between IS were minimal. Conclusions The present study provides initial support for the use of the RBS-R Caregiver and Self-Report to measure dimensions of RSM and IS behaviors in autistic adolescents and adults. The present data did not support the use of the ADI-R to assess these RRB subtypes in older individuals. Conclusions must be interpreted cautiously in light of the present study's sample limitations. Additional research is needed to understand differences in caregiver and self-reported RRBs. Further research on RRBs in autistic adolescents and adults, particularly in samples of greater gender and racial/ethnic diversity, is critical to inform community understanding and knowledge of autism in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney R McDermott
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ
| | - Cristan Farmer
- Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Phenotyping Service, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD
| | | | - Vanessa H Bal
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology; Rutgers University-New Brunswick
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Uljarević M, McCabe KL, Angkustsiri K, Simon TJ, Hardan AY. Interrelationship Between Cognitive Control, Anxiety, and Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors in Children with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Autism Res 2019; 12:1737-1744. [PMID: 31433576 PMCID: PMC6927400 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRB) are common in individuals with 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), yet the underlying mechanisms of these behaviors remain poorly characterized. In the present pilot investigation, we aimed to further our understanding of RRB in 22q11.2DS by exploring their relationship with cognitive control and anxiety as well as with sex, chronological age, and full-scale IQ. Parents of 38 children with 22q11.2DS (17 females; Mage = 11.15 years, SD = 2.46) completed the Social Communication Questionnaire as a measure of RRB and social and communication (SC) problems and the Behavioral Assessment System for Children-2 as a measure of anxiety and cognitive control. Higher RRB scores were significantly associated with higher anxiety levels (r = 0.44, P = 0.006), more impairments in cognitive control (r = 0.56, P < 0.001), and higher SC scores (r = 0.43, P = 0.011). In the first step of the hierarchical regression model, anxiety accounted for 24.5% of variance (F = 10.05, P = 0.003); cognitive control accounted for an additional 18.1% of variance (Fchange = 11.15, P < 0.001) in the second step; SC score accounted for only 0.8% of additional variance in the third step (Fchange = 0.40, P = 0.53). The final model explained 43.4% of variance (F = 7.42, P = 0.001), with cognitive control as a unique independent predictor of RRB score (t = 2.52, P = 0.01). The current study provides the first exploration of the cognitive control-anxiety-RRB link in individuals with 22q11.2DS and points to cognitive control as a potentially viable target for treatments aimed at reducing RRB. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1737-1744. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. LAY SUMMARY: People with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome show high levels of repetitive behaviors, however, the previous research has not explored why people with this syndrome exhibit high rates of repetitive behaviors. Understanding the reasons for the high levels of repetitive behaviors is important given that these behaviors can be highly impairing. Our study found that repetitive behaviors were associated with impaired ability to self-regulate and high levels of anxiety. These findings need to be further replicated; however, they are important as they suggest potentially promising ways of reducing these behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Uljarević
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kathryn L McCabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, California
- MIND (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Kathleen Angkustsiri
- MIND (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California, Davis, California
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California
| | - Tony J Simon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, California
- MIND (Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders) Institute, University of California, Davis, California
| | - Antonio Y Hardan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
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Warrier V, Toro R, Won H, Leblond CS, Cliquet F, Delorme R, De Witte W, Bralten J, Chakrabarti B, Børglum AD, Grove J, Poelmans G, Hinds DA, Bourgeron T, Baron-Cohen S. Social and non-social autism symptoms and trait domains are genetically dissociable. Commun Biol 2019; 2:328. [PMID: 31508503 PMCID: PMC6722082 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0558-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The core diagnostic criteria for autism comprise two symptom domains - social and communication difficulties, and unusually repetitive and restricted behaviour, interests and activities. There is some evidence to suggest that these two domains are dissociable, though this hypothesis has not yet been tested using molecular genetics. We test this using a genome-wide association study (N = 51,564) of a non-social trait related to autism, systemising, defined as the drive to analyse and build systems. We demonstrate that systemising is heritable and genetically correlated with autism. In contrast, we do not identify significant genetic correlations between social autistic traits and systemising. Supporting this, polygenic scores for systemising are significantly and positively associated with restricted and repetitive behaviour but not with social difficulties in autistic individuals. These findings strongly suggest that the two core domains of autism are genetically dissociable, and point at how to fractionate the genetics of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Warrier
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Roberto Toro
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Hyejung Won
- Department of Genetics and Neuroscience Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Claire S. Leblond
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Freddy Cliquet
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department, Robert Debré Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Ward De Witte
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Janita Bralten
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Bhismadev Chakrabarti
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
- Centre for Autism, School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Anders D. Børglum
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine - Human Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jakob Grove
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
- Centre for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine - Human Genetics, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Bioinformatics Research Centre, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Geert Poelmans
- Department of Human Genetics, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, UMR3571 CNRS, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Simon Baron-Cohen
- Autism Research Centre, Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
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The neural circuitry of restricted repetitive behavior: Magnetic resonance imaging in neurodevelopmental disorders and animal models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 92:152-171. [PMID: 29802854 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Restricted, repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are patterns of behavior that exhibit little variation in form and have no obvious function. RRBs although transdiagonstic are a particularly prominent feature of certain neurodevelopmental disorders, yet relatively little is known about the neural circuitry of RRBs. Past work in this area has focused on isolated brain regions and neurotransmitter systems, but implementing a neural circuit approach has the potential to greatly improve understanding of RRBs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is well-suited to studying the structural and functional connectivity of the nervous system, and is a highly translational research tool. In this review, we synthesize MRI research from both neurodevelopmental disorders and relevant animal models that informs the neural circuitry of RRB. Together, these studies implicate distributed neural circuits between the cortex, basal ganglia, and cerebellum. Despite progress in neuroimaging of RRB, there are many opportunities for conceptual and methodological improvement. We conclude by suggesting future directions for MRI research in RRB, and how such studies can benefit from complementary approaches in neuroscience.
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13
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Cantor RM, Navarro L, Won H, Walker RL, Lowe JK, Geschwind DH. ASD restricted and repetitive behaviors associated at 17q21.33: genes prioritized by expression in fetal brains. Mol Psychiatry 2018; 23:993-1000. [PMID: 28533516 PMCID: PMC5700871 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2017.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 04/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a behaviorally defined condition that manifests in infancy or early childhood as deficits in communication skills and social interactions. Often, restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) accompany this disorder. ASD is polygenic and genetically complex, so we hypothesized that focusing analyses on intermediate core component phenotypes, such as RRBs, can reduce genetic heterogeneity and improve statistical power. Applying this approach, we mined Caucasian genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data from two of the largest ASD family cohorts, the Autism Genetics Resource Exchange and Autism Genome Project (AGP). Of the 12 RRBs measured by the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, seven were found to be significantly familial and substantially variable, and hence, were tested for genome-wide association in 3104 ASD-affected children from 2045 families. Using a stringent significance threshold (P<7.1 × 10-9), GWAS in the AGP revealed an association between 'the degree of the repetitive use of objects or interest in parts of objects' and rs2898883 (P<6.8 × 10-9), which resides within the sixth intron of PHB. To identify the candidate target genes of the associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms at that locus, we applied chromosome conformation studies in developing human brains and implicated three additional genes: SLC35B1, CALCOCO2 and DLX3. Gene expression, brain imaging and fetal brain expression quantitative trait locus studies prioritize SLC35B1 and PHB. These analyses indicate that GWAS of single heritable features of genetically complex disorders followed by chromosome conformation studies in relevant tissues can be successful in revealing novel risk genes for single core features of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita M. Cantor
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 695 Charles E. Young Drive, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 – 7088
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 695 Charles E. Young Drive, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 – 7088
| | - Linda Navarro
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 695 Charles E. Young Drive, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 – 7088
| | - Hyejung Won
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 695 Charles E. Young Drive, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 – 7088
| | - Rebecca L. Walker
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 695 Charles E. Young Drive, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 – 7088
| | - Jennifer K. Lowe
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 695 Charles E. Young Drive, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 – 7088
| | - Daniel H. Geschwind
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 695 Charles E. Young Drive, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 – 7088
- Center for Neurobehavioral Genetics, Department of Psychiatry, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 695 Charles E. Young Drive, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 – 7088
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 695 Charles E. Young Drive, South, Los Angeles, CA 90095 – 7088
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14
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Dykens EM, Roof E, Hunt-Hawkins H, Dankner N, Lee EB, Shivers CM, Daniell C, Kim SJ. Diagnoses and characteristics of autism spectrum disorders in children with Prader-Willi syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:18. [PMID: 28592997 PMCID: PMC5458479 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9200-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A small percentage of people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have alterations in chromosome 15q11.2-q3, the critical region for Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). Data are limited, however, on the rates and characteristics of ASD in PWS. Previous estimates of ASD in PWS (25 to 41%) are questionable as they are based solely on autism screeners given to parents. Inaccurate diagnoses of ASD in PWS can mislead intervention and future research. METHODS One hundred forty-six children and youth with PWS aged 4 to 21 years (M = 11) were assessed with the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). An expert clinical team-made best-estimate ASD diagnoses based on ADOS-2 videotapes, calibrated severity scores, and children's developmental histories and indices of current functioning. Children were also administered the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test-2, and parents completed the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised and Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales. Scores were compared across children with PWS + ASD versus PWS only. The performance of an ASD screener, the Social Communication Questionnaire (SCQ) and the ADOS-2 were evaluated in relation to best-estimate diagnoses. RESULTS Best-estimate diagnoses of ASD were made in 18 children, or 12.3% of the sample, and the majority of them had the maternal uniparental disomy (mUPD) PWS genetic subtype. Compared to the PWS-only group, children with PWS + ASD had lower verbal and composite IQ's and adaptive daily living and socialization skills, as well as elevated stereotypies and restricted interests. Regardless of ASD status, compulsivity and insistence on sameness in routines or events were seen in 76-100% of children and were robustly correlated with lower adaptive functioning. The SCQ yielded a 29-49% chance that screen-positive cases will indeed have ASD. The ADOS-2 had higher sensitivity, specificity and predictive values. Communication problems were seen in children who were ADOS-2 positive but deemed not to have ASD by the clinical team. CONCLUSIONS Autism screeners should not be the sole index of probable ASD in PWS; children need to be directly observed and evaluated. Compulsivity and insistence on sameness are salient in PWS and likely impede adaptive functioning. Most children with PWS only evidenced sub-threshold problems in social interactions that could signal risks for other psychopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Dykens
- Departments of Psychology and Human Development, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, One Magnolia Circle, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203 USA
| | - Elizabeth Roof
- Departments of Psychology and Human Development, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, One Magnolia Circle, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203 USA
| | - Hailee Hunt-Hawkins
- Departments of Psychology and Human Development, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, One Magnolia Circle, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203 USA
| | - Nathan Dankner
- Departments of Psychology and Human Development, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, One Magnolia Circle, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203 USA
| | - Evon Batey Lee
- Departments of Psychology and Human Development, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, One Magnolia Circle, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203 USA
| | - Carolyn M Shivers
- Department of Human Development, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, 366 Wallace Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061 USA
| | - Christopher Daniell
- Departments of Psychology and Human Development, Psychiatry and Pediatrics, One Magnolia Circle, Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37203 USA
| | - Soo-Jeong Kim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, 4909 25th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105 USA
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15
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Woodbury-Smith M, Bilder DA, Morgan J, Jerominski L, Darlington T, Dyer T, Paterson AD, Coon H. Combined genome-wide linkage and targeted association analysis of head circumference in autism spectrum disorder families. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:5. [PMID: 28289475 PMCID: PMC5304400 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9187-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has long been recognized that there is an association between enlarged head circumference (HC) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but the genetics of HC in ASD is not well understood. In order to investigate the genetic underpinning of HC in ASD, we undertook a genome-wide linkage study of HC followed by linkage signal targeted association among a sample of 67 extended pedigrees with ASD. Methods HC measurements on members of 67 multiplex ASD extended pedigrees were used as a quantitative trait in a genome-wide linkage analysis. The Illumina 6K SNP linkage panel was used, and analyses were carried out using the SOLAR implemented variance components model. Loci identified in this way formed the target for subsequent association analysis using the Illumina OmniExpress chip and imputed genotypes. A modification of the qTDT was used as implemented in SOLAR. Results We identified a linkage signal spanning 6p21.31 to 6p22.2 (maximum LOD = 3.4). Although targeted association did not find evidence of association with any SNP overall, in one family with the strongest evidence of linkage, there was evidence for association (rs17586672, p = 1.72E−07). Conclusions Although this region does not overlap with ASD linkage signals in these same samples, it has been associated with other psychiatric risk, including ADHD, developmental dyslexia, schizophrenia, specific language impairment, and juvenile bipolar disorder. The genome-wide significant linkage signal represents the first reported observation of a potential quantitative trait locus for HC in ASD and may be relevant in the context of complex multivariate risk likely leading to ASD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s11689-017-9187-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Woodbury-Smith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON Canada.,Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada.,St Joseph's Healthcare, West 5th Campus, 100 West 5th Street, Hamilton, ON Canada
| | - D A Bilder
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - J Morgan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - L Jerominski
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - T Darlington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - T Dyer
- University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine and South Texas Diabetes and Obesity Institute, Harlingen, TX USA
| | - A D Paterson
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada.,Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - H Coon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT USA
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16
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Fisch GS, Falk RE, Carey JC, Imitola J, Sederberg M, Caravalho KS, South S. Deletion 2q37 syndrome: Cognitive-behavioral trajectories and autistic features related to breakpoint and deletion size. Am J Med Genet A 2016; 170:2282-91. [PMID: 27282419 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.37782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Subtelomeric deletions have been reported in ∼2.5% of individuals with developmental disabilities. Subtelomeric deletion 2q37 has been detected in many individuals diagnosed with intellectual disabilities (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Previously, genotype-phenotype correspondences were examined for their relationship to breakpoints 37.1, 37.2, or 37.3. Our purpose was to ascertain whether there were phenotypic differences at these breakpoints, elucidate the cognitive-behavioral phenotype in del2q37, and examine the genotype-phenotype association in the deletion with respect to cognitive-behavioral profiles and ASD. We administered a comprehensive cognitive-behavioral battery to nine children diagnosed with del 2q37, ages 3.9-17.75 years. ID for five tested with the Stanford-Binet (4th Edition) (SBFE) ranged from severe to mild [IQ Range: 36-59]. Adaptive behavior scores from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS) were much below adequate levels (DQ Range: floor value ["19"] to 55). Autism scores from the Child Autism Rating Scale (CARS) ranged from 22 [non-autistic] to 56 [extremely autistic]; 5/8 [63%] children received scores on the autism spectrum. Participants with the largest deletions, 10.1 and 9.5 Mb, attained the highest IQ and DQ scores while those with the smallest deletions, 7.9 and 6.6 Mb, made the lowest IQ and DQ scores. No association between deletion breakpoint and phenotype were found. Assessment of the various deleted regions suggested histone deacetylase 4 gene (HDAC4) was a likely candidate gene for ASD in our sample. However, two earlier reports found no association between HDAC4 haploinsufficiency and ASD. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gene S Fisch
- Department of Statistics and CIS, CUNY/Baruch College, New York, New York
| | - Rena E Falk
- Cedar Sinai Hospital, Los Angeles, California
| | - John C Carey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jaime Imitola
- Laboratory of Neural Stem Cells and Functional Neurogenetics, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Maria Sederberg
- Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,ARUP Institute for Research and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Karen S Caravalho
- Section of Pediatric Neurology, St. Christopher Hospital for Children, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Sarah South
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah.,ARUP Institute for Research and Experimental Pathology, Salt Lake City, Utah
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17
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Tao Y, Gao H, Ackerman B, Guo W, Saffen D, Shugart YY. Evidence for contribution of common genetic variants within chromosome 8p21.2-8p21.1 to restricted and repetitive behaviors in autism spectrum disorders. BMC Genomics 2016; 17:163. [PMID: 26931105 PMCID: PMC4774106 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-016-2475-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors (RRB), one of the core symptom categories for Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), comprises heterogeneous groups of behaviors. Previous research indicates that there are two or more factors (subcategories) within the RRB domain. In an effort to identify common variants associated with RRB, we have carried out a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using the Autism Genetic Resource Exchange (AGRE) dataset (n = 1,335, all ASD probands of European ancestry) for each identified RRB subcategory, while allowing for comparisons of associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with associated SNPs in the same set of probands analyzed using all the RRB subcategories as phenotypes in a multivariate linear mixed model. The top ranked SNPs were then explored in an independent dataset. RESULTS Using principal component analysis of item scores obtained from Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R), two distinct subcategories within Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors were identified: Repetitive Sensory Motor (RSM) and Insistence on Sameness (IS). Quantitative RSM and IS scores were subsequently used as phenotypes in a GWAS using the AGRE ASD cohort. Although no associated SNPs with genome-wide significance (P < 5.0E-08) were detected when RSM or IS were analyzed independently, three SNPs approached genome-wide significance when RSM and IS were considered together using multivariate association analysis. These included the top IS-associated SNP, rs62503729 (P-value = 6.48E-08), which is located within chromosome 8p21.2-8p21.1, a locus previously linked to schizophrenia. Notably, all of the most significantly associated SNPs are located in close proximity to STMN4 and PTK2B, genes previously shown to function in neuron development. In addition, several of the top-ranked SNPs showed correlations with STMN4 mRNA expression in adult CEU (Caucasian and European descent) human prefrontal cortex. However, the association signals within chromosome 8p21.2-8p21.1 failed to replicate in an independent sample of 2,588 ASD probands; the insufficient sample size and between-study heterogeneity are possible explanations for the non-replication. CONCLUSIONS Our analysis indicates that RRB in ASD can be represented by two distinct subcategories: RSM and IS. Subsequent univariate and multivariate genome-wide association studies of these RRB subcategories enabled the detection of associated SNPs at 8p21.2-8p21.1. Although these results did not replicate in an independent ASD dataset, genomic features of this region and pathway analysis suggest that common variants in 8p21.2-8p21.1 may contribute to RRB, particularly IS. Together, these observations warrant future studies to elucidate the possible contributions of common variants in 8p21.2-8p21.1 to the etiology of RSM and IS in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tao
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hui Gao
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Benjamin Ackerman
- JohnsHopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Unit on Statistical Genomics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Wei Guo
- Unit on Statistical Genomics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - David Saffen
- Department of Cellular and Genetic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, 130Dong'an Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Yin Yao Shugart
- Unit on Statistical Genomics, Intramural Research Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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18
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Nato AQ, Chapman NH, Sohi HK, Nguyen HD, Brkanac Z, Wijsman EM. PBAP: a pipeline for file processing and quality control of pedigree data with dense genetic markers. Bioinformatics 2015; 31:3790-8. [PMID: 26231429 PMCID: PMC4668752 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btv444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/25/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Huge genetic datasets with dense marker panels are now common. With the availability of sequence data and recognition of importance of rare variants, smaller studies based on pedigrees are again also common. Pedigree-based samples often start with a dense marker panel, a subset of which may be used for linkage analysis to reduce computational burden and to limit linkage disequilibrium between single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Programs attempting to select markers for linkage panels exist but lack flexibility. RESULTS We developed a pedigree-based analysis pipeline (PBAP) suite of programs geared towards SNPs and sequence data. PBAP performs quality control, marker selection and file preparation. PBAP sets up files for MORGAN, which can handle analyses for small and large pedigrees, typically human, and results can be used with other programs and for downstream analyses. We evaluate and illustrate its features with two real datasets. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION PBAP scripts may be downloaded from http://faculty.washington.edu/wijsman/software.shtml. CONTACT wijsman@uw.edu. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Hiep D Nguyen
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Ellen M Wijsman
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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19
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Chaste P, Klei L, Sanders SJ, Hus V, Murtha MT, Lowe JK, Willsey AJ, Moreno-De-Luca D, Yu TW, Fombonne E, Geschwind D, Grice DE, Ledbetter DH, Mane SM, Martin DM, Morrow EM, Walsh CA, Sutcliffe JS, Lese Martin C, Beaudet AL, Lord C, State MW, Cook EH, Devlin B. A genome-wide association study of autism using the Simons Simplex Collection: Does reducing phenotypic heterogeneity in autism increase genetic homogeneity? Biol Psychiatry 2015; 77:775-84. [PMID: 25534755 PMCID: PMC4379124 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2014.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2014] [Revised: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phenotypic heterogeneity in autism has long been conjectured to be a major hindrance to the discovery of genetic risk factors, leading to numerous attempts to stratify children based on phenotype to increase power of discovery studies. This approach, however, is based on the hypothesis that phenotypic heterogeneity closely maps to genetic variation, which has not been tested. Our study examines the impact of subphenotyping of a well-characterized autism spectrum disorder (ASD) sample on genetic homogeneity and the ability to discover common genetic variants conferring liability to ASD. METHODS Genome-wide genotypic data of 2576 families from the Simons Simplex Collection were analyzed in the overall sample and phenotypic subgroups defined on the basis of diagnosis, IQ, and symptom profiles. We conducted a family-based association study, as well as estimating heritability and evaluating allele scores for each phenotypic subgroup. RESULTS Association analyses revealed no genome-wide significant association signal. Subphenotyping did not increase power substantially. Moreover, allele scores built from the most associated single nucleotide polymorphisms, based on the odds ratio in the full sample, predicted case status in subsets of the sample equally well and heritability estimates were very similar for all subgroups. CONCLUSIONS In genome-wide association analysis of the Simons Simplex Collection sample, reducing phenotypic heterogeneity had at most a modest impact on genetic homogeneity. Our results are based on a relatively small sample, one with greater homogeneity than the entire population; if they apply more broadly, they imply that analysis of subphenotypes is not a productive path forward for discovering genetic risk variants in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Chaste
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; FondaMental Foundation, Créteil; Centre Hospitalier Sainte Anne, Paris, France.
| | - Lambertus Klei
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Stephan J Sanders
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Vanessa Hus
- Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Michael T Murtha
- Program on Neurogenetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Jennifer K Lowe
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology and Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - A Jeremy Willsey
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Daniel Moreno-De-Luca
- Program on Neurogenetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Timothy W Yu
- Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Eric Fombonne
- Department of Psychiatry and Institute for Development and Disability, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Daniel Geschwind
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology and Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Dorothy E Grice
- Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York
| | - David H Ledbetter
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Donna M Martin
- Departments of Pediatrics and Human Genetics, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Eric M Morrow
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, and Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Division of Genetics, Children's Hospital Boston, and Neurology and Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School Center for Life Sciences, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - James S Sutcliffe
- Departments of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics and Psychiatry, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Christa Lese Martin
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, Pennsylvania
| | - Arthur L Beaudet
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Catherine Lord
- Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medical College, White Plains, New York
| | - Matthew W State
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut; Department of Psychiatry, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Edwin H Cook
- Institute for Juvenile Research, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Bernie Devlin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Abstract
This review considers pharmacogenetics of the so called 'second-generation' antipsychotics. Findings for polymorphisms replicating in more than one study are emphasized and compared and contrasted with larger-scale candidate gene studies and genome-wide association study analyses. Variants in three types of genes are discussed: pharmacokinetic genes associated with drug metabolism and disposition, pharmacodynamic genes encoding drug targets, and pharmacotypic genes impacting disease presentation and subtype. Among pharmacokinetic markers, CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotype has clear clinical significance, as it impacts dosing considerations for aripiprazole, iloperidone and risperidone, and variants of the ABCB1 gene hold promise as biomarkers for dosing for olanzapine and clozapine. Among pharmacodynamic variants, the TaqIA1 allele of the DRD2 gene, the DRD3 (Ser9Gly) polymorphism, and the HTR2C -759C/T polymorphism have emerged as potential biomarkers for response and/or side effects. However, large-scale candidate gene studies and genome-wide association studies indicate that pharmacotypic genes may ultimately prove to be the richest source of biomarkers for response and side effect profiles for second-generation antipsychotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Brennan
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA.
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Bishop SL, Hus V, Duncan A, Huerta M, Gotham K, Pickles A, Kreiger A, Buja A, Lund S, Lord C. Subcategories of restricted and repetitive behaviors in children with autism spectrum disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2014; 43:1287-97. [PMID: 23065116 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-012-1671-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests that restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) can be subdivided into repetitive sensory motor (RSM) and insistence on sameness (IS) behaviors. However, because the majority of previous studies have used the autism diagnostic interview-revised (ADI-R), it is not clear whether these subcategories reflect the actual organization of RRBs in ASD. Using data from the Simons simplex collection (n = 1,825), we examined the association between scores on the ADI-R and the repetitive behavior scale-revised. Analyses supported the construct validity of RSM and IS subcategories. As in previous studies, IS behaviors showed no relationship with IQ. These findings support the continued use of RRB subcategories, particularly IS behaviors, as a means of creating more behaviorally homogeneous subgroups of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somer L Bishop
- Center for Autism and the Developing Brain, Weill Cornell Medical College, Bard House, 21 Bloomingdale Road, White Plains, NY 10605, USA.
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22
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Gotham K, Bishop SL, Hus V, Huerta M, Lund S, Buja A, Krieger A, Lord C. Exploring the relationship between anxiety and insistence on sameness in autism spectrum disorders. Autism Res 2013; 6:33-41. [PMID: 23258569 PMCID: PMC4373663 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Accepted: 10/15/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Elevated anxiety symptoms are one of the most common forms of psychopathology to co-occur with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). The purpose of this study was to explore the association between anxiety and ASD symptoms, particularly the degree to which the relationship is explained by insistence on sameness (IS) behaviors and/or cognitive ability. The sample included 1429 individuals aged 5:8-18:0 years who participated in the Simons Simplex Collection, a genetic consortium study of ASD. Child Behavior Checklist Anxiety Problems T-scores and Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised "IS" item raw totals were treated as both categorical and continuous measures of anxiety and IS, respectively. Chronological age, verbal intelligence quotient (IQ), and a variety of ASD phenotype-related and other behavioral variables were assessed for potential association with anxiety and IS. Anxiety and IS continuous variables were minimally, although significantly, associated with each other and with chronological age and verbal IQ. Neither anxiety nor IS was associated with other core autism diagnostic scores. Anxiety was associated with a variety of other psychiatric and behavioral symptoms in ASD, including irritability, attention problems, and aggression, while IS was not. Anxiety and IS appear to function as distinct constructs, each with a wide range of expression in children with ASD across age and IQ levels. Thus, both variables could be of use in ASD behavioral research or in dimensional approaches to genetic exploration. Unlike IS, however, anxiety is related to non-ASD-specific behavioral symptoms.
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23
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Hu VW. The expanding genomic landscape of autism: discovering the 'forest' beyond the 'trees'. FUTURE NEUROLOGY 2013; 8:29-42. [PMID: 23637569 DOI: 10.2217/fnl.12.83] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by significant deficits in reciprocal social interactions, impaired communication and restricted, repetitive behaviors. As autism spectrum disorders are among the most heritable of neuropsychiatric disorders, much of autism research has focused on the search for genetic variants in protein-coding genes (i.e., the 'trees'). However, no single gene can account for more than 1% of the cases of autism spectrum disorders. Yet, genome-wide association studies have often identified statistically significant associations of genetic variations in regions of DNA that do not code for proteins (i.e., intergenic regions). There is increasing evidence that such noncoding regions are actively transcribed and may participate in the regulation of genes, including genes on different chromosomes. This article summarizes evidence that suggests that the research spotlight needs to be expanded to encompass far-reaching gene-regulatory mechanisms that include a variety of epigenetic modifications, as well as noncoding RNA (i.e., the 'forest'). Given that noncoding RNA represents over 90% of the transcripts in most cells, we may be observing just the 'tip of the iceberg' or the 'edge of the forest' in the genomic landscape of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie W Hu
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Medicine, The George Washington University, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, 2300 Eye St., N.W., Washington, DC 20037, USA Tel.: +1 202 994 8431
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Putnam SK, Lopata C, Fox JD, Thomeer ML, Rodgers JD, Volker MA, Lee GK, Neilans EG, Werth J. Comparison of saliva collection methods in children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders: acceptability and recovery of cortisol. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2012; 43:560-73. [PMID: 22331443 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-012-0284-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study compared cortisol concentrations yielded using three saliva collection methods (passive drool, salivette, and sorbette) in both in vitro and in vivo conditions, as well as method acceptability for a sample of children (n = 39) with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders. No cortisol concentration differences were observed between passive and sorbette samples obtained in vitro or in vivo. The salivette derived concentration was lower than the other two methods for the in vitro derived comparisons but did not differ from the other methods when collected in vivo. Cross-day comparison for the salivettes was also found to differ significantly, whereas the cross-day comparisons did not differ for the passive method or the sorbette method. Overall, passive drool and sorbettes were found to produce similar and stable readings of cortisol, whereas the salivette yielded unstable and variable concentrations. Ratings suggested that the children generally perceived all methods as acceptable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan K Putnam
- Institute for Autism Research, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY 14208, USA.
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Liu Q, Jamba M, Patrick C, Padmanabhan S, Brennan MD. Targeted pharmacogenetic analysis of antipsychotic response in the CATIE study. Pharmacogenomics 2012; 13:1227-37. [PMID: 22920393 PMCID: PMC3518380 DOI: 10.2217/pgs.12.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM This study evaluated the impact of 6789 SNPs on treatment response to antipsychotics in Caucasian patients from the CATIE study. MATERIALS & METHODS An Illumina (CA, USA) BeadChip was designed that targeted genes potentially impacting disease risk, disease presentation or antipsychotic response. SNPs tagged regions of linkage disequilibrium or functional variants not detectable using previous genotypes for CATIE. Change in Positive and Negative Syndrome scale total score was modeled using a mixed model repeated measures method that assumed a 30-day lag period. Genetic association analysis was performed using linear regression. RESULTS Association analysis identified 20 SNPs with p-values of ≤5 × 10(-4). Many of these are in genes previously implicated in schizophrenia and other neuropsychiatric diseases. CONCLUSION The targeted approach identified SNPs possibly influencing response to antipsychotic drugs in Caucasian patients suffering from schizophrenia. The findings support a biological link between disease risk and presentation and antipsychotic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Liu
- SureGene, LLC, 600 Envoy Circle, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
| | - Maidar Jamba
- SureGene, LLC, 600 Envoy Circle, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
| | - Calvin Patrick
- SureGene, LLC, 600 Envoy Circle, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
| | | | - Mark D Brennan
- SureGene, LLC, 600 Envoy Circle, Louisville, KY 40299, USA
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Boyd BA, McDonough SG, Bodfish JW. Evidence-based behavioral interventions for repetitive behaviors in autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2012; 42:1236-48. [PMID: 21584849 PMCID: PMC3709868 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-011-1284-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a core symptom of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). There has been an increased research emphasis on repetitive behaviors; however, this research primarily has focused on phenomenology and mechanisms. Thus, the knowledge base on interventions is lagging behind other areas of research. The literature suggests there are evidence-based practices to treat "lower order" RRBs in ASD (e.g., stereotypies); yet, there is a lack of a focused program of intervention research for "higher order" behaviors (e.g., insistence on sameness). This paper will (a) discuss barriers to intervention development for RRBs; (b) review evidence-based interventions to treat RRBs in ASD, with a focus on higher order behaviors; and (c) conclude with recommendations for practice and research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Boyd
- Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy, Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB# 7122, Bondurant Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7120, USA.
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De novo and inherited CNVs in MZ twin pairs selected for discordance and concordance on Attention Problems. Eur J Hum Genet 2012; 20:1037-43. [PMID: 22490988 PMCID: PMC3449078 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2012.49] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs) have been reported to be causal suspects in a variety of psychopathologic traits. We investigate whether de novo and/or inherited CNVs contribute to the risk for Attention Problems (APs) in children. Based on longitudinal phenotyping, 50 concordant and discordant monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs were selected from a sample of ∼3200 MZ pairs. Two types of de novo CNVs were investigated: (1) CNVs shared by both MZ twins, but not inherited (pre-twinning de novo CNVs), which were detected by comparing copy number (CN) calls between parents and twins and (2) CNVs not shared by co-twins (post-twinning de novo CNVs), which were investigated by comparing the CN calls within MZ pairs. The association between the overall CNV burden and AP was also investigated for CNVs genome-wide, CNVs within genes and CNVs outside of genes. Two de novo CNVs were identified and validated using quantitative PCR: a pre-twinning de novo duplication in a concordant-unaffected twin pair and a post-twinning deletion in the higher scoring twin from a concordant-affected pair. For the overall CNV burden analyses, affected individuals had significantly larger CNVs that overlapped with genes than unaffected individuals (P=0.008). This study suggests that the presence of larger CNVs may increase the risk for AP, because they are more likely to affect genes, and confirms that MZ twins are not always genetically identical.
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Liu XQ, Georgiades S, Duku E, Thompson A, Devlin B, Cook EH, Wijsman EM, Paterson AD, Szatmari P. Identification of genetic loci underlying the phenotypic constructs of autism spectrum disorders. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2011; 50:687-696.e13. [PMID: 21703496 PMCID: PMC3593812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2010] [Revised: 05/05/2011] [Accepted: 05/09/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the underlying phenotypic constructs in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and to identify genetic loci that are linked to these empirically derived factors. METHOD Exploratory factor analysis was applied to two datasets with 28 selected Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) algorithm items. The first dataset was from the Autism Genome Project (AGP) phase I (1,236 ASD subjects from 618 families); the second was from the AGP phase II (804 unrelated ASD subjects). Variables derived from the factor analysis were then used as quantitative traits in genome-wide variance components linkage analyses. RESULTS Six factors, namely, joint attention, social interaction and communication, nonverbal communication, repetitive sensory-motor behavior, peer interaction, and compulsion/restricted interests, were retained for both datasets. There was good agreement between the factor loading patterns from the two datasets. All factors showed familial aggregation. Suggestive evidence for linkage was obtained for the joint attention factor on 11q23. Genome-wide significant evidence for linkage was obtained for the repetitive sensory-motor behavior factor on 19q13.3. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the underlying phenotypic constructs based on the ADI-R algorithm items are replicable in independent datasets, and that the empirically derived factors are suitable and informative in genetic studies of ASD.
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Hu VW, Addington A, Hyman A. Novel autism subtype-dependent genetic variants are revealed by quantitative trait and subphenotype association analyses of published GWAS data. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19067. [PMID: 21556359 PMCID: PMC3083416 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneity of symptoms associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) has presented a significant challenge to genetic analyses. Even when associations with genetic variants have been identified, it has been difficult to associate them with a specific trait or characteristic of autism. Here, we report that quantitative trait analyses of ASD symptoms combined with case-control association analyses using distinct ASD subphenotypes identified on the basis of symptomatic profiles result in the identification of highly significant associations with 18 novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). The symptom categories included deficits in language usage, non-verbal communication, social development, and play skills, as well as insistence on sameness or ritualistic behaviors. Ten of the trait-associated SNPs, or quantitative trait loci (QTL), were associated with more than one subtype, providing partial replication of the identified QTL. Notably, none of the novel SNPs is located within an exonic region, suggesting that these hereditary components of ASDs are more likely related to gene regulatory processes (or gene expression) than to structural or functional changes in gene products. Seven of the QTL reside within intergenic chromosomal regions associated with rare copy number variants that have been previously reported in autistic samples. Pathway analyses of the genes associated with the QTL identified in this study implicate neurological functions and disorders associated with autism pathophysiology. This study underscores the advantage of incorporating both quantitative traits as well as subphenotypes into large-scale genome-wide analyses of complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie W Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The George Washington University Medical Center, Washington, DC, United States of America.
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