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Chien WH, Chen CH, Cheng MC, Wu YY, Gau SSF. Neuregulin 2 Is a Candidate Gene for Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5547. [PMID: 38791584 PMCID: PMC11121989 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with heterogeneous and complex genetic underpinnings. Our previous microarray gene expression profiling identified significantly different neuregulin-2 gene (NRG2) expression between ASD patients and controls. Thus, we aimed to clarify whether NRG2 is a candidate gene associated with ASD. The study consisted of two stages. First, we used real-time quantitative PCR in 20 ASDs and 20 controls to confirm the microarray gene expression profiling results. The average NRG2 gene expression level in patients with ASD (3.23 ± 2.80) was significantly lower than that in the controls (9.27 ± 4.78, p < 0.001). Next, we conducted resequencing of all the exons of NRG2 in a sample of 349 individuals with ASD, aiming to identify variants of the NRG2 associated with ASD. We identified three variants, including two single nucleotide variants (SNVs), IVS3 + 13A > G (rs889022) and IVS10 + 32T > A (rs182642591), and one small deletion at exon 11 of NRG2 (delGCCCGG, rs933769137). Using data from the Taiwan Biobank as the controls, we found no significant differences in allele frequencies of rs889022 and rs182642591 between two groups. However, there is a significant difference in the genotype and allele frequency distribution of rs933769137 between ASDs and controls (p < 0.0001). The small deletion is located in the EGF-like domain at the C-terminal of the NRG2 precursor protein. Our findings suggest that NRG2 might be a susceptibility gene for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsien Chien
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 242062, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (Y.-Y.W.)
| | - Min-Chih Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, Yuli Branch, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Hualien 981, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (C.-H.C.); (Y.-Y.W.)
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences and Graduate of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 10002, Taiwan
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2
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Kereszturi É. Diversity and Classification of Genetic Variations in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16768. [PMID: 38069091 PMCID: PMC10706722 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with symptoms that affect the whole personality and all aspects of life. Although there is a high degree of heterogeneity in both its etiology and its characteristic behavioral patterns, the disorder is well-captured along the autistic triad. Currently, ASD status can be confirmed following an assessment of behavioral features, but there is a growing emphasis on conceptualizing autism as a spectrum, which allows for establishing a diagnosis based on the level of support need, free of discrete categories. Since ASD has a high genetic predominance, the number of genetic variations identified in the background of the condition is increasing exponentially as genetic testing methods are rapidly evolving. However, due to the huge amount of data to be analyzed, grouping the different DNA variations is still challenging. Therefore, in the present review, a multidimensional classification scheme was developed to accommodate most of the currently known genetic variants associated with autism. Genetic variations have been grouped according to six criteria (extent, time of onset, information content, frequency, number of genes involved, inheritance pattern), which are themselves not discrete categories, but form a coherent continuum in line with the autism spectrum approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éva Kereszturi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, H-1085 Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Gonzales S, Zhao JZ, Choi NY, Acharya P, Jeong S, Lee MY. SOX7: Novel Autistic Gene Identified by Analysis of Multi-Omics Data. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3346245. [PMID: 37790478 PMCID: PMC10543249 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3346245/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite thousands of variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to be associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), it is unclear which mutations are causal because most are noncoding. Consequently, reliable diagnostic biomarkers are lacking. RNA-seq analysis captures biomolecular complexity that GWAS cannot by considering transcriptomic patterns. Therefore, integrating DNA and RNA testing may reveal causal genes and useful biomarkers for ASD. Methods We performed gene-based association studies using an adaptive test method with GWAS summary statistics from two large Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC) datasets (ASD2019: 18,382 cases and 27,969 controls; ASD2017: 6,197 cases and 7,377 controls). We also investigated differential expression for genes identified with the adaptive test using an RNA-seq dataset (GSE30573: 3 cases and 3 controls) and DESeq2. Results We identified 5 genes significantly associated with ASD in ASD2019 (KIZ-AS1, p = 8.67×10- 10; KIZ, p = 1.16×10- 9; XRN2, p = 7.73×10- 9; SOX7, p = 2.22×10- 7; LOC101929229 (also known as PINX1-DT), p = 2.14×10- 6). Two of the five genes were replicated in ASD2017: SOX7 (p = 0.00087) and LOC101929229 (p = 0.009), and KIZ was close to the replication boundary of replication (p = 0.06). We identified significant expression differences for SOX7 (p = 0.0017, adjusted p = 0.0085), LOC101929229 (p = 5.83×10- 7, adjusted p = 1.18×10- 5), and KIZ (p = 0.00099, adjusted p = 0.0055). SOX7 encodes a transcription factor that regulates developmental pathways, alterations in which may contribute to ASD. Limitations The limitation of the gene-based analysis is the reliance on a reference population for estimating linkage disequilibrium between variants. The similarity of this reference population to the population of study is crucial to the accuracy of many gene-based analyses, including those performed in this study. As a result, the extent of our findings is limited to European populations, as this was our reference of choice. Future work includes a tighter integration of DNA and RNA information as well as extensions to non-European populations that have been under-researched. Conclusions These findings suggest that SOX7 and its related SOX family genes encode transcription factors that are critical to the downregulation of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, an important developmental signaling pathway, providing credence to the biologic plausibility of the association between gene SOX7 and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane Zizhen Zhao
- Miami Dade College Kendall Campus and School for Advanced Studies
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Murray SB, Rokicki J, Sartorius AM, Winterton A, Andreassen OA, Westlye LT, Nagata JM, Quintana DS. Brain-based gene expression of putative risk genes for anorexia nervosa. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2612-2619. [PMID: 37221367 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of anorexia nervosa (AN) remains elusive. Recent genome-wide association studies identified the first genes liked to AN which reached genome-wide significance, although our understanding of how these genes confer risk remains preliminary. Here, we leverage the Allen Human Brain Atlas to characterize the spatially distributed gene expression patterns of genes linked to AN in the non-disordered human brain, developing whole-brain maps of AN gene expression. We found that genes associated with AN are most expressed in the brain, relative to all other body tissue types, and demonstrate gene-specific expression patterns which extend to cerebellar, temporal and basal ganglia structures in particular. fMRI meta-analyses reveal that AN gene expression maps correspond with functional brain activity involved in processing and anticipating appetitive and aversive cues. Findings offer novel insights around putative mechanisms through which genes associated with AN may confer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart B Murray
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jaroslav Rokicki
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division for Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Centre of Research and Education in Forensic Psychiatry, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alina M Sartorius
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division for Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Adriano Winterton
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division for Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Division of Mental and Physical Health, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ole A Andreassen
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division for Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Lars T Westlye
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division for Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jason M Nagata
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Daniel S Quintana
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Division for Mental Health and Addiction, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- KG Jebsen Centre for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- NevSom, Department of Rare Disorders and Disabilities, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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Gonzales S, Zhao JZ, Choi NY, Acharya P, Jeong S, Lee MY. SOX7: Novel Autistic Gene Identified by Analysis of Multi-Omics Data. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.26.542456. [PMID: 37292933 PMCID: PMC10245991 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.26.542456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Genome-wide association studies and next generation sequencing data analyses based on DNA information have identified thousands of mutations associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, more than 99% of identified mutations are non-coding. Thus, it is unclear which of these mutations might be functional and thus potentially causal variants. Transcriptomic profiling using total RNA-sequencing has been one of the most utilized approaches to link protein levels to genetic information at the molecular level. The transcriptome captures molecular genomic complexity that the DNA sequence solely does not. Some mutations alter a gene's DNA sequence but do not necessarily change expression and/or protein function. To date, few common variants reliably associated with the diagnosis status of ASD despite consistently high estimates of heritability. In addition, reliable biomarkers used to diagnose ASD or molecular mechanisms to define the severity of ASD do not exist. Objectives It is necessary to integrate DNA and RNA testing together to identify true causal genes and propose useful biomarkers for ASD. Methods We performed gene-based association studies with adaptive test using genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary statistics with two large GWAS datasets (ASD 2019 data: 18,382 ASD cases and 27,969 controls [discovery data]; ASD 2017 data: 6,197 ASD cases and 7,377 controls [replication data]) which were obtained from the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium (PGC). In addition, we investigated differential expression for genes identified in gene-based GWAS with a RNA-seq dataset (GSE30573: 3 cases and 3 controls) using the DESeq2 package. Results We identified 5 genes significantly associated with ASD in ASD 2019 data (KIZ-AS1, p=8.67×10-10; KIZ, p=1.16×10-9; XRN2, p=7.73×10-9; SOX7, p=2.22×10-7; PINX1-DT, p=2.14×10-6). Among these 5 genes, gene SOX7 (p=0.00087), LOC101929229 (p=0.009), and KIZ-AS1 (p=0.059) were replicated in ASD 2017 data. KIZ (p=0.06) was close to the boundary of replication in ASD 2017 data. Genes SOX7 (p=0.0017, adjusted p=0.0085), LOC101929229 (also known as PINX1-DT, p=5.83×10-7, adjusted p=1.18×10-5), and KIZ (p=0.00099, adjusted p=0.0055) indicated significant expression differences between cases and controls in the RNA-seq data. SOX7 encodes a member of the SOX (SRY-related HMG-box) family of transcription factors pivotally contributing to determining of the cell fate and identity in many lineages. The encoded protein may act as a transcriptional regulator after forming a protein complex with other proteins leading to autism. Conclusion Gene SOX7 in the transcription factor family could be associated with ASD. This finding may provide new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Gonzales
- Department of Biostatistics, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199
| | - Jane Zizhen Zhao
- Miami Dade College Kendall Campus and School for Advanced Studies, Miami, FL 33176
| | - Na Young Choi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76207
| | - Prabha Acharya
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76207
| | - Sehoon Jeong
- Department of Healthcare Information Technology Inje University, Gimhae, South Korea, 50834
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX 76207
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Nadeem MS, Hosawi S, Alshehri S, Ghoneim MM, Imam SS, Murtaza BN, Kazmi I. Symptomatic, Genetic, and Mechanistic Overlaps between Autism and Alzheimer's Disease. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1635. [PMID: 34827633 PMCID: PMC8615882 DOI: 10.3390/biom11111635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders affecting two opposite ends of life span, i.e., childhood and old age. Both disorders pose a cumulative threat to human health, with the rate of incidences increasing considerably worldwide. In the context of recent developments, we aimed to review correlated symptoms and genetics, and overlapping aspects in the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of ASD and AD. Dementia, insomnia, and weak neuromuscular interaction, as well as communicative and cognitive impairments, are shared symptoms. A number of genes and proteins linked with both disorders have been tabulated, including MECP2, ADNP, SCN2A, NLGN, SHANK, PTEN, RELN, and FMR1. Theories about the role of neuron development, processing, connectivity, and levels of neurotransmitters in both disorders have been discussed. Based on the recent literature, the roles of FMRP (Fragile X mental retardation protein), hnRNPC (heterogeneous ribonucleoprotein-C), IRP (Iron regulatory proteins), miRNAs (MicroRNAs), and α-, β0, and γ-secretases in the posttranscriptional regulation of cellular synthesis and processing of APP (amyloid-β precursor protein) have been elaborated to describe the parallel and overlapping routes and mechanisms of ASD and AD pathogenesis. However, the interactive role of genetic and environmental factors, oxidative and metal ion stress, mutations in the associated genes, and alterations in the related cellular pathways in the development of ASD and AD needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Shahid Nadeem
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Salman Hosawi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
| | - Sultan Alshehri
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (S.S.I.)
| | - Mohammed M. Ghoneim
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Ad Diriyah 13713, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Syed Sarim Imam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; (S.A.); (S.S.I.)
| | - Bibi Nazia Murtaza
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abbottabad 22310, Pakistan;
| | - Imran Kazmi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.N.); (S.H.)
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7
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Alnak A, Kuşcu Özücer İ, Okay Çağlayan A, Coşkun M. Peripheral Expression of MACROD2 Gene Is Reduced Among a Sample of Turkish Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2021; 31:261-268. [PMID: 38765943 PMCID: PMC11079661 DOI: 10.5152/pcp.2021.21144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Genomic variations in mono-ADP ribosylhydrolase 2 (MACROD2) have been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in recent genome-wide studies and case reports. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the MACROD2 expression profile in patients with ASD. Methods The study group included 100 children with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ASD, and the control group consisted of 105 healthy controls. Blood samples were obtained from all participants in this study, and the gene expression level was determined using quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR). Statistical analysis was performed with R 3.4.0 and Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows, 21.0). Results The mean ages of the participants in the study and control groups were 9.22 ± 3.62 and 9.27 ± 3.86 years, respectively. There was no significant difference concerning gender (P = .944) and age (P = .914) between the 2 groups. MACROD2 gene expression was found to be decreased in the study group compared to the control group (study group = 5.73, control group = 89.56; fold change =-3.967; P < .001). While the level of MACROD2 expression was not correlated with the ASD severity, it was associated with the severity of the hyperactivity/impulsivity symptoms (P = .008). Conclusions This is the first study in the literature investigating the peripheral expression of the MACROD2 gene. We showed that the expression level of MACROD2 was decreased in patients with ASD when compared to the control group. As the relationship between the MACROD2 gene expression profile and ASD remains to be further investigated, this study may provide an insight for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alper Alnak
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - İpek Kuşcu Özücer
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Okay Çağlayan
- Department of Medical Genetics, Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Murat Coşkun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
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8
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Jangjoo M, Goodman SJ, Choufani S, Trost B, Scherer SW, Kelley E, Ayub M, Nicolson R, Georgiades S, Crosbie J, Schachar R, Anagnostou E, Grunebaum E, Weksberg R. An Epigenetically Distinct Subset of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Resulting From Differences in Blood Cell Composition. Front Neurol 2021; 12:612817. [PMID: 33935932 PMCID: PMC8085304 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.612817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that often involves impaired cognition, communication difficulties and restrictive, repetitive behaviors. ASD is extremely heterogeneous both clinically and etiologically, which represents one of the greatest challenges in studying the molecular underpinnings of ASD. While hundreds of ASD-associated genes have been identified that confer varying degrees of risk, no single gene variant accounts for >1% of ASD cases. Notably, a large number of ASD-risk genes function as epigenetic regulators, indicating potential epigenetic dysregulation in ASD. As such, we compared genome-wide DNA methylation (DNAm) in the blood of children with ASD (n = 265) to samples from age- and sex-matched, neurotypical controls (n = 122) using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 arrays. Results: While DNAm patterns did not distinctly separate ASD cases from controls, our analysis identified an epigenetically unique subset of ASD cases (n = 32); these individuals exhibited significant differential methylation from both controls than the remaining ASD cases. The CpG sites at which this subset was differentially methylated mapped to known ASD risk genes that encode proteins of the nervous and immune systems. Moreover, the observed DNAm differences were attributable to altered blood cell composition, i.e., lower granulocyte proportion and granulocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio in the ASD subset, as compared to the remaining ASD cases and controls. This ASD subset did not differ from the rest of the ASD cases in the frequency or type of high-risk genomic variants. Conclusion: Within our ASD cohort, we identified a subset of individuals that exhibit differential methylation from both controls and the remaining ASD group tightly associated with shifts in immune cell type proportions. This is an important feature that should be assessed in all epigenetic studies of blood cells in ASD. This finding also builds on past reports of changes in the immune systems of children with ASD, supporting the potential role of altered immunological mechanisms in the complex pathophysiology of ASD. The discovery of significant molecular and immunological features in subgroups of individuals with ASD may allow clinicians to better stratify patients, facilitating personalized interventions and improved outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Jangjoo
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah J Goodman
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sanaa Choufani
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Brett Trost
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen W Scherer
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,The Centre for Applied Genomics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,McLaughlin Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Kelley
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Muhammad Ayub
- Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| | - Rob Nicolson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Stelios Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Russell Schachar
- Neurosciences and Mental Health Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eyal Grunebaum
- Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Immunology and Allergy, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Institute of Medical Science, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
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9
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Pearson CA, Moore DM, Tucker HO, Dekker JD, Hu H, Miquelajáuregui A, Novitch BG. Foxp1 Regulates Neural Stem Cell Self-Renewal and Bias Toward Deep Layer Cortical Fates. Cell Rep 2021; 30:1964-1981.e3. [PMID: 32049024 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2020.01.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The laminar architecture of the mammalian neocortex depends on the orderly generation of distinct neuronal subtypes by apical radial glia (aRG) during embryogenesis. Here, we identify critical roles for the autism risk gene Foxp1 in maintaining aRG identity and gating the temporal competency for deep-layer neurogenesis. Early in development, aRG express high levels of Foxp1 mRNA and protein, which promote self-renewing cell divisions and deep-layer neuron production. Foxp1 levels subsequently decline during the transition to superficial-layer neurogenesis. Sustained Foxp1 expression impedes this transition, preserving a population of cells with aRG identity throughout development and extending the early neurogenic period into postnatal life. FOXP1 expression is further associated with the initial formation and expansion of basal RG (bRG) during human corticogenesis and can promote the formation of cells exhibiting characteristics of bRG when misexpressed in the mouse cortex. Together, these findings reveal broad functions for Foxp1 in cortical neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Alayne Pearson
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Destaye M Moore
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Haley O Tucker
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Joseph D Dekker
- Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Hui Hu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Amaya Miquelajáuregui
- Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus, San Juan, PR 00911, USA
| | - Bennett G Novitch
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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10
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Reilly J, Gallagher L, Leader G, Shen S. Coupling of autism genes to tissue-wide expression and dysfunction of synapse, calcium signalling and transcriptional regulation. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0242773. [PMID: 33338084 PMCID: PMC7748153 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0242773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous disorder that is often accompanied with many co-morbidities. Recent genetic studies have identified various pathways from hundreds of candidate risk genes with varying levels of association to ASD. However, it is unknown which pathways are specific to the core symptoms or which are shared by the co-morbidities. We hypothesised that critical ASD candidates should appear widely across different scoring systems, and that comorbidity pathways should be constituted by genes expressed in the relevant tissues. We analysed the Simons Foundation for Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) database and four independently published scoring systems and identified 292 overlapping genes. We examined their mRNA expression using the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database and validated protein expression levels using the human protein atlas (HPA) dataset. This led to clustering of the overlapping ASD genes into 2 groups; one with 91 genes primarily expressed in the central nervous system (CNS geneset) and another with 201 genes expressed in both CNS and peripheral tissues (CNS+PT geneset). Bioinformatic analyses showed a high enrichment of CNS development and synaptic transmission in the CNS geneset, and an enrichment of synapse, chromatin remodelling, gene regulation and endocrine signalling in the CNS+PT geneset. Calcium signalling and the glutamatergic synapse were found to be highly interconnected among pathways in the combined geneset. Our analyses demonstrate that 2/3 of ASD genes are expressed beyond the brain, which may impact peripheral function and involve in ASD co-morbidities, and relevant pathways may be explored for the treatment of ASD co-morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Reilly
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Biomedical Science Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Galway, Ireland
- * E-mail: (JR); (SS)
| | - Louise Gallagher
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity Centre for Health Sciences—Trinity College Dublin, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Leader
- Irish Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), Department of Psychology, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Sanbing Shen
- Regenerative Medicine Institute, School of Medicine, Biomedical Science Building, National University of Ireland (NUI) Galway, Galway, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail: (JR); (SS)
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11
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Tian Z, Song Y, Yao Y, Guo J, Gong Z, Wang Z. Genetic Etiology Shared by Multiple Sclerosis and Ischemic Stroke. Front Genet 2020; 11:646. [PMID: 32719717 PMCID: PMC7348066 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.00646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although dramatic progress has been achieved in the understanding and treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and ischemic stroke (IS), more precise and instructive support is required for further research. Recent large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWASs) have already revealed risk variants for IS and MS, but the common genetic etiology between MS and IS remains an unresolved issue. This research was designed to overlapping genes between MS and IS and unmask their transcriptional features. We designed a three-section analysis process. Firstly, we computed gene-based analyses of MS GWAS and IS GWAS data sets by VGEAS2. Secondly, overlapping genes of significance were identified in a meta-analysis using the Fisher’s procedure. Finally, we performed gene expression analyses to confirm transcriptional changes. We identified 24 shared genes with Bonferroni correction (Pcombined < 2.31E-04), and five (FOXP1, CAMK2G, CLEC2D, LBH, and SLC2A4RG) had significant expression differences in MS and IS gene expression omnibus data sets. These meaningful shared genes between IS and MS shed light on the underlying genetic etiologies shared by the diseases. Our results provide a basis for in-depth genomic studies of associations between MS and IS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Tian
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Song
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yang Yao
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Guo
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongying Gong
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiyun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
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12
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Transcriptome signatures from discordant sibling pairs reveal changes in peripheral blood immune cell composition in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:106. [PMID: 32291385 PMCID: PMC7156413 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0778-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Notwithstanding several research efforts in the past years, robust and replicable molecular signatures for autism spectrum disorders from peripheral blood remain elusive. The available literature on blood transcriptome in ASD suggests that through accurate experimental design it is possible to extract important information on the disease pathophysiology at the peripheral level. Here we exploit the availability of a resource for molecular biomarkers in ASD, the Italian Autism Network (ITAN) collection, for the investigation of transcriptomic signatures in ASD based on a discordant sibling pair design. Whole blood samples from 75 discordant sibling pairs selected from the ITAN network where submitted to RNASeq analysis and data analyzed by complementary approaches. Overall, differences in gene expression between affected and unaffected siblings were small. In order to assess the contribution of differences in the relative proportion of blood cells between discordant siblings, we have applied two different cell deconvolution algorithms, showing that the observed molecular signatures mainly reflect changes in peripheral blood immune cell composition, in particular NK cells. The results obtained by the cell deconvolution approach are supported by the analysis performed by WGCNA. Our report describes the largest differential gene expression profiling in peripheral blood of ASD subjects and controls conducted by RNASeq. The observed signatures are consistent with the hypothesis of immune alterations in autism and an increased risk of developing autism in subjects exposed to prenatal infections or stress. Our study also points to a potential role of NMUR1, HMGB3, and PTPRN2 in ASD.
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13
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Shen L, Liu X, Zhang H, Lin J, Feng C, Iqbal J. Biomarkers in autism spectrum disorders: Current progress. Clin Chim Acta 2020; 502:41-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2019.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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14
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Zhang W, Ham J, Li Q, Deyssenroth MA, Lambertini L, Huang Y, Tsuchiya KJ, Chen J, Nomura Y. Moderate prenatal stress may buffer the impact of Superstorm Sandy on placental genes: Stress in Pregnancy (SIP) Study. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226605. [PMID: 31995614 PMCID: PMC6988921 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta plays a central role in the epigenetic programming of neurodevelopment by prenatal stress (PS), but this pathway is not fully understood. It difficult to study in humans because the conditions for intense, traumatic PS are almost impossible to create ethically. This study was able to capitalize on a 2012 disaster that hit New York, Superstorm Sandy, to examine the impact of traumatic stress on placental gene expression while also examining normative PS, and compare the two. Of the 303 expectant mothers participating in the Stress in Pregnancy Study, 95 women were pregnant when Superstorm Sandy struck. During their pregnancy, participants completed self-report measures of PS and distress that were combined, using latent profile analysis, into one global indicator of normative PS. Placental tissue was collected at delivery and frozen for storage. RNA expression was assessed for 40 placental genes known to associate with the stress response system and neurodevelopment in offspring. Results showed that normative PS increased expression of just MECP2, HSD11B2, and ZNF507, whereas Superstorm Sandy PS decreased expression of CDKL5, CFL1, DYRK1A, HSD11B2, MAOA, MAOB, NCOR1, and ZNF507. Interaction analyses indicated that Superstorm Sandy PS was associated with decreased gene expression for the low and high PS group for CFL1, DYRK1A, HSD11B2, MAOA, and NCOR1 and increased expression for the moderate PS group for FOXP1, NR3C1, and NR3C2. This study supports the idea that a moderate amount of normative PS may buffer the impact of traumatic PS, in this case caused by Superstorm Sandy, on placental gene expression, which suggests that the placenta itself mirrors the organism's ability to develop an epigenetic resilience to, and inoculation from, stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, New Jersey City University, Jersey City, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jacob Ham
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Qian Li
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Maya A. Deyssenroth
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Luca Lambertini
- Department of Medicine, Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Yonglin Huang
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Kenji J. Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Jia Chen
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
| | - Yoko Nomura
- Department of Psychology, Queens College, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States of America
- Department of Psychology, The Graduate Center, CUNY, New York, NY, United States of America
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Shizuoka, Japan
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15
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New Horizons for Molecular Genetics Diagnostic and Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:43-81. [PMID: 32006356 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable, heterogeneous, and complex pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder (PND) characterized by distinctive abnormalities of human cognitive functions, social interaction, and speech development.Nowadays, several genetic changes including chromosome abnormalities, genetic variations, transcriptional epigenetics, and noncoding RNA have been identified in ASD. However, the association between these genetic modifications and ASDs has not been confirmed yet.The aim of this review is to summarize the key findings in ASD from genetic viewpoint that have been identified from the last few decades of genetic and molecular research.
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16
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Association of genes with phenotype in autism spectrum disorder. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 11:10742-10770. [PMID: 31744938 PMCID: PMC6914398 DOI: 10.18632/aging.102473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a genetic heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder that is characterized by impairments in social interaction and speech development and is accompanied by stereotypical behaviors such as body rocking, hand flapping, spinning objects, sniffing and restricted behaviors. The considerable significance of the genetics associated with autism has led to the identification of many risk genes for ASD used for the probing of ASD specificity and shared cognitive features over the past few decades. Identification of ASD risk genes helps to unravel various genetic variants and signaling pathways which are involved in ASD. This review highlights the role of ASD risk genes in gene transcription and translation regulation processes, as well as neuronal activity modulation, synaptic plasticity, disrupted key biological signaling pathways, and the novel candidate genes that play a significant role in the pathophysiology of ASD. The current emphasis on autism spectrum disorders has generated new opportunities in the field of neuroscience, and further advancements in the identification of different biomarkers, risk genes, and genetic pathways can help in the early diagnosis and development of new clinical and pharmacological treatments for ASD.
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17
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Saffari A, Arno M, Nasser E, Ronald A, Wong CCY, Schalkwyk LC, Mill J, Dudbridge F, Meaburn EL. RNA sequencing of identical twins discordant for autism reveals blood-based signatures implicating immune and transcriptional dysregulation. Mol Autism 2019; 10:38. [PMID: 31719968 PMCID: PMC6839145 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A gap exists in our mechanistic understanding of how genetic and environmental risk factors converge at the molecular level to result in the emergence of autism symptoms. We compared blood-based gene expression signatures in identical twins concordant and discordant for autism spectrum condition (ASC) to differentiate genetic and environmentally driven transcription differences, and establish convergent evidence for biological mechanisms involved in ASC. Methods Genome-wide gene expression data were generated using RNA-seq on whole blood samples taken from 16 pairs of monozygotic (MZ) twins and seven twin pair members (39 individuals in total), who had been assessed for ASC and autism traits at age 12. Differential expression (DE) analyses were performed between (a) affected and unaffected subjects (N = 36) and (b) within discordant ASC MZ twin pairs (total N = 11) to identify environmental-driven DE. Gene set enrichment and pathway testing was performed on DE gene lists. Finally, an integrative analysis using DNA methylation data aimed to identify genes with consistent evidence for altered regulation in cis. Results In the discordant twin analysis, three genes showed evidence for DE at FDR < 10%: IGHG4, EVI2A and SNORD15B. In the case-control analysis, four DE genes were identified at FDR < 10% including IGHG4, PRR13P5, DEPDC1B, and ZNF501. We find enrichment for DE of genes curated in the SFARI human gene database. Pathways showing evidence of enrichment included those related to immune cell signalling and immune response, transcriptional control and cell cycle/proliferation. Integrative methylomic and transcriptomic analysis identified a number of genes showing suggestive evidence for cis dysregulation. Limitations Identical twins stably discordant for ASC are rare, and as such the sample size was limited and constrained to the use of peripheral blood tissue for transcriptomic and methylomic profiling. Given these primary limitations, we focused on transcript-level analysis. Conclusions Using a cohort of ASC discordant and concordant MZ twins, we add to the growing body of transcriptomic-based evidence for an immune-based component in the molecular aetiology of ASC. Whilst the sample size was limited, the study demonstrates the utility of the discordant MZ twin design combined with multi-omics integration for maximising the potential to identify disease-associated molecular signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayden Saffari
- 1Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- 2Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Matt Arno
- 3Edinburgh Genomics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland UK
- 4King's Genomics Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eric Nasser
- 4King's Genomics Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Angelica Ronald
- 2Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Chloe C Y Wong
- 5Social Genetic and Developmental Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Mill
- 7University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Frank Dudbridge
- 1Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- 8Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Emma L Meaburn
- 2Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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18
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Shen L, Zhao Y, Zhang H, Feng C, Gao Y, Zhao D, Xia S, Hong Q, Iqbal J, Liu XK, Yao F. Advances in Biomarker Studies in Autism Spectrum Disorders. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1118:207-233. [PMID: 30747425 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-05542-4_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental condition that begins early in childhood and lasts throughout life. The epidemiology of ASD is continuously increasing all over the world with huge social and economical burdens. As the etiology of autism is not completely understood, there is still no medication available for the treatment of this disorder. However, some behavioral interventions are available to improve the core and associated symptoms of autism, particularly when initiated at an early stage. Thus, there is an increasing demand for finding biomarkers for ASD. Although diagnostic biomarkers have not yet been established, research efforts have been carried out in neuroimaging and biological analyses including genomics and gene testing, proteomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, and studies of the immune system, inflammation, and microRNAs. Here, we will review the current progress in these fields and focus on new methods, developments, research strategies, and studies of blood-based biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liming Shen
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yuxi Zhao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Huajie Zhang
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengyun Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Gao
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Danqing Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Sijian Xia
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Hong
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Baoan, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Javed Iqbal
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Kun Liu
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Yao
- College of Life Science and Oceanography, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, People's Republic of China
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19
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Abbasy S, Shahraki F, Haghighatfard A, Qazvini MG, Rafiei ST, Noshadirad E, Farhadi M, Rezvani Asl H, Shiryazdi AA, Ghamari R, Tabrizi Z, Mehrfard R, Esmaili Kakroudi F, Azarnoosh M, Younesi F, Parsamehr N, Garaei N, Abyari S, Salehi M, Gholami M, Zolfaghari P, Bagheri SM, Pourmehrabi M, Rastegarimogaddam E, Nobakht E, Nobakht E, Partovi R. Neuregulin1 types mRNA level changes in autism spectrum disorder, and is associated with deficit in executive functions. EBioMedicine 2018; 37:483-488. [PMID: 30415889 PMCID: PMC6284419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pediatric heterogeneous psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorder with social and communication deficits, language impairment and ritualistic or repetitive behaviors. ASD has significant genetic bases but candidate genes and molecular mechanisms of disorder are not clarified. Neuregulin1 (NRG1) gene, located in 8p12 is involved in development of central nervous system and was indicated as candidate gene in schizophrenia. METHODS mRNA level of types I, II and III of NRG1 gene were studied in peripheral blood of 1540 ASD patients (IQ > 70) and 1490 control children by quantitative Real Time PCR. Also three domains of executive functions (working memory, response inhibition and vigilance) were examined in all subjects. FINDINGS All three types were significantly down regulated in ASD patients. Significant deficiencies in executive functions (EF) were found in ASD patients. EF deficiencies mostly were associated with down expression of mRNA level of types I and III. Also correlations were found between NRG1 expression with gender and severity of ASD symptoms. INTERPRETATIONS Findings primarily have been suggested involvement of NRG1 in etiology of ASD. Also correlation of NRG1 mRNA level with EF deficiencies could shed lights on EF mechanisms and may suggest targeted treatments to improve particular executive functions. FUND: Young researchers and elites club funded the project due to the annual grant of special talents of Club that gave to Arvin Haghighatfard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samane Abbasy
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran; Sarem Cell Research Center, Sarem Women's Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fazlollah Shahraki
- Department of Mind- Brain-Education, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arvin Haghighatfard
- Department of Biology, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran; Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Sahel Towfigh Rafiei
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elnaz Noshadirad
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Farhadi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Rana Ghamari
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Tabrizi
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Rashed Mehrfard
- Department of Microbiology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | | | - Mahsima Azarnoosh
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faeghe Younesi
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Parsamehr
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nooriyeh Garaei
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Soroush Abyari
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maede Salehi
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Gholami
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pardis Zolfaghari
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyede Mahsa Bagheri
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Melika Pourmehrabi
- Department of Genetic, Tehran Medical Sciences Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Elnaz Nobakht
- Department of Microbiology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Elmira Nobakht
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Rayan Partovi
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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20
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Braccioli L, Vervoort SJ, Adolfs Y, Heijnen CJ, Basak O, Pasterkamp RJ, Nijboer CH, Coffer PJ. FOXP1 Promotes Embryonic Neural Stem Cell Differentiation by Repressing Jagged1 Expression. Stem Cell Reports 2018; 9:1530-1545. [PMID: 29141232 PMCID: PMC5688236 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mutations in FOXP1 have been linked to neurodevelopmental disorders including intellectual disability and autism; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain ill-defined. Here, we demonstrate with RNA and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing that FOXP1 directly regulates genes controlling neurogenesis. We show that FOXP1 is expressed in embryonic neural stem cells (NSCs), and modulation of FOXP1 expression affects both neuron and astrocyte differentiation. Using a murine model of cortical development, FOXP1-knockdown in utero was found to reduce NSC differentiation and migration during corticogenesis. Furthermore, transplantation of FOXP1-knockdown NSCs in neonatal mice after hypoxia-ischemia challenge demonstrated that FOXP1 is also required for neuronal differentiation and functionality in vivo. FOXP1 was found to repress the expression of Notch pathway genes including the Notch-ligand Jagged1, resulting in inhibition of Notch signaling. Finally, blockade of Jagged1 in FOXP1-knockdown NSCs rescued neuronal differentiation in vitro. Together, these data support a role for FOXP1 in regulating embryonic NSC differentiation by modulating Notch signaling. FOXP1 promotes astrocyte and neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vitro FOXP1 promotes neuronal differentiation of NSCs in vivo FOXP1 transcriptionally regulates pro-neural genes and represses Notch pathway genes FOXP1 promotes neuronal differentiation by limiting Jagged1 expression
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Braccioli
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 AB, the Netherlands; Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands
| | - Stephin J Vervoort
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands
| | - Youri Adolfs
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Cobi J Heijnen
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Onur Basak
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - R Jeroen Pasterkamp
- Department of Translational Neuroscience, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CX, the Netherlands
| | - Cora H Nijboer
- Laboratory of Neuroimmunology and Developmental Origins of Disease (NIDOD), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3508 AB, the Netherlands.
| | - Paul J Coffer
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Regenerative Medicine Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht 3584 CT, the Netherlands.
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Maternal and Family Processes in Different Subgroups of Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 47:177-194. [DOI: 10.1007/s10802-018-0404-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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22
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Clinical and molecular characterization of three genomic rearrangements at chromosome 22q13.3 associated with autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatr Genet 2017; 27:23-33. [PMID: 27846046 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Chromosome 22q13 is a hot region of genomic rearrangements that may result in deletion, duplication, and translocation, and that may lead to neurodevelopmental disorders in affected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We carried out an array-based comparative genomic hybridization analysis to detect copy number variations (CNVs) of genomic DNA in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) who were consecutively recruited into our molecular genetic study of ASD. Karyotyping, fluorescent in-situ hybridization analysis, and real time-quantitative PCR were used for validation tests. RESULTS We completed a genome-wide CNV analysis of 335 patients with ASD from Taiwan. Three unrelated male patients were found to carry three different CNVs at 22q13.3, respectively, including a de novo terminal deletion of ∼106 kb at 22q13.33, a de novo interstitial duplication of ∼1.8 Mb at 22q13.32-q13.33, and a microdeletion of ∼147 kb at 22q13.33. These three CNVs all involved the dosage change of the SHANK3 gene. The last patient also carried a genomic duplication of ∼3.86 Mb at 19q13.42-q13.4 in addition to a microdeletion of ∼147 kb at 22q13.33. His younger sister also carried these two CNVs, but she had developmental delay and other neurological deficits without ASD. These two CNVs were transmitted from their unaffected father, who carried a balanced translocation between chromosome 22q and 19q. CONCLUSION Our data support that recurrent genomic rearrangements at 22q13.3 are part of the genetic landscape of ASD in our patients and changes in SHANK3 dosage are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the clinical symptoms of patients with 22q13.3 rearrangements can vary depending on other genetic and nongenetic factors, not limited to genes involved in CNVs in this region.
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Chen CH, Chen HI, Chien WH, Li LH, Wu YY, Chiu YN, Tsai WC, Gau SSF. High resolution analysis of rare copy number variants in patients with autism spectrum disorder from Taiwan. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11919. [PMID: 28931914 PMCID: PMC5607249 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12081-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare genomic copy number variations (CNVs) (frequency <1%) contribute a part to the genetic underpinnings of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The study aimed to understand the scope of rare CNV in Taiwanese patients with ASD. We conducted a genome-wide CNV screening of 335 ASD patients (299 males, 36 females) from Taiwan using Affymetrix Genome-Wide Human SNP Array 6.0 and compared the incidence of rare CNV with that of 1093 control subjects (525 males, 568 females). We found a significantly increased global burden of rare CNVs in the ASD group compared to the controls as a whole or when the rare CNVs were classified by the size and types of CNV. Further analysis confirmed the presence of several rare CNVs at regions strongly associated with ASD as reported in the literature in our sample. Additionally, we detected several new private pathogenic CNVs in our samples and five patients carrying two pathogenic CNVs. Our data indicate that rare genomic CNVs contribute a part to the genetic landscape of our ASD patients. These CNVs are highly heterogeneous, and the clinical interpretation of the pathogenic CNVs of ASD is not straightforward in consideration of the incomplete penetrance, varied expressivity, and individual genetic background.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-I Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Hsien Chien
- Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Medicine, Fu Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ling-Hui Li
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Yu Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Nan Chiu
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Che Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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24
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Mendoza E, Scharff C. Protein-Protein Interaction Among the FoxP Family Members and their Regulation of Two Target Genes, VLDLR and CNTNAP2 in the Zebra Finch Song System. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:112. [PMID: 28507505 PMCID: PMC5410569 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Forkhead transcription factor FOXP2 is implicated in speech perception and production. The avian homolog, FoxP21 contributes to song learning and production in birds. In human cell lines, transcriptional activity of FOXP2 requires homo-dimerization or dimerization with paralogs FOXP1 or FOXP4. Whether FoxP dimerization occurs in the brain is unknown. We recently showed that FoxP1, FoxP2 and FoxP4 (FoxP1/2/4) proteins are co-expressed in neurons of Area X, a song control region in zebra finches. We now report on dimer- and oligomerization of zebra finch FoxPs and how this affects transcription. In cell lines and in the brain we identify homo- and hetero-dimers, and an oligomer composed of FoxP1/2/4. We further show that FoxP1/2 but not FoxP4 bind to the regulatory region of the target gene Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2). In addition, we demonstrate that FoxP1/4 bind to the regulatory region of very low density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), as has been shown for FoxP2 previously. Interestingly, FoxP1/2/4 individually or in combinations regulate the promoters for SV40, zebra finch VLDLR and CNTNAP2 differentially. These data exemplify the potential for complex transcriptional regulation of FoxP1/2/4, highlighting the need for future functional studies dissecting their differential regulation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Mendoza
- Institut für Verhaltensbiologie, Freie Universität BerlinBerlin, Germany
| | - Constance Scharff
- Institut für Verhaltensbiologie, Freie Universität BerlinBerlin, Germany
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25
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Ansel A, Rosenzweig JP, Zisman PD, Melamed M, Gesundheit B. Variation in Gene Expression in Autism Spectrum Disorders: An Extensive Review of Transcriptomic Studies. Front Neurosci 2017; 10:601. [PMID: 28105001 PMCID: PMC5214812 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of complex neurodevelopmental conditions that present in early childhood and have a current estimated prevalence of about 1 in 68 US children, 1 in 42 boys. ASDs are heterogeneous, and arise from epigenetic, genetic and environmental origins, yet, the exact etiology of ASDs still remains unknown. Individuals with ASDs are characterized by having deficits in social interaction, impaired communication and a range of stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Currently, a diagnosis of ASD is based solely on behavioral assessments and phenotype. Hundreds of diverse ASD susceptibility genes have been identified, yet none of the mutations found account for more than a small subset of autism cases. Therefore, a genetic diagnosis is not yet possible for the majority of the ASD population. The susceptibility genes that have been identified are involved in a wide and varied range of biological functions. Since the genetics of ASDs is so diverse, information on genome function as provided by transcriptomic data is essential to further our understanding. Gene expression studies have been extremely useful in comparing groups of individuals with ASD and control samples in order to measure which genes (or group of genes) are dysregulated in the ASD group. Transcriptomic studies are essential as a key link between measuring protein levels and analyzing genetic information. This review of recent autism gene expression studies highlights genes that are expressed in the brain, immune system, and processes such as cell metabolism and embryology. Various biological processes have been shown to be implicated with ASD individuals as well as differences in gene expression levels between different types of biological tissues. Some studies use gene expression to attempt to separate autism into different subtypes. An updated list of genes shown to be significantly dysregulated in individuals with autism from all recent ASD expression studies will help further research isolate any patterns useful for diagnosis or understanding the mechanisms involved. The functional relevance of transcriptomic studies as a method of classifying and diagnosing ASD cannot be underestimated despite the possible limitations of transcriptomic studies.
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26
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Peter S, De Zeeuw CI, Boeckers TM, Schmeisser MJ. Cerebellar and Striatal Pathologies in Mouse Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY, EMBRYOLOGY, AND CELL BIOLOGY 2017; 224:103-119. [PMID: 28551753 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-52498-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with a strong genetic component. To date, several hundred different genetic mutations have been identified to play a role in its aetiology. The heterogeneity of genetic abnormalities combined with the different brain regions where aberrations are found makes the search for causative mechanisms a daunting task. Even within a limited number of brain regions, a myriad of different neural circuit dysfunctions may lead to ASD. Here, we review mouse models that incorporate mutations of ASD risk genes causing pathologies in the cerebellum and striatum and highlight the vulnerability of related circuit dysfunctions within these brain regions in ASD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saša Peter
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. .,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Chris I De Zeeuw
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tobias M Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael J Schmeisser
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany. .,Division of Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany. .,Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany.
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27
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Bakshi A, Zhu Z, Vinkhuyzen AAE, Hill WD, McRae AF, Visscher PM, Yang J. Fast set-based association analysis using summary data from GWAS identifies novel gene loci for human complex traits. Sci Rep 2016; 6:32894. [PMID: 27604177 PMCID: PMC5015118 DOI: 10.1038/srep32894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose a method (fastBAT) that performs a fast set-based association analysis for human complex traits using summary-level data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and linkage disequilibrium (LD) data from a reference sample with individual-level genotypes. We demonstrate using simulations and analyses of real datasets that fastBAT is more accurate and orders of magnitude faster than the prevailing methods. Using fastBAT, we analyze summary data from the latest meta-analyses of GWAS on 150,064-339,224 individuals for height, body mass index (BMI), and schizophrenia. We identify 6 novel gene loci for height, 2 for BMI, and 3 for schizophrenia at PfastBAT < 5 × 10(-8). The gain of power is due to multiple small independent association signals at these loci (e.g. the THRB and FOXP1 loci for schizophrenia). The method is general and can be applied to GWAS data for all complex traits and diseases in humans and to such data in other species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Bakshi
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Centre for Systems Genomics, School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zhihong Zhu
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Anna A. E. Vinkhuyzen
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - W. David Hill
- Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology, University of Edinburgh, 7 George Square, Edinburgh, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Allan F. McRae
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Peter M. Visscher
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The Translation Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jian Yang
- Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The Translation Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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28
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Tylee DS, Espinoza AJ, Hess JL, Tahir MA, McCoy SY, Rim JK, Dhimal T, Cohen OS, Glatt SJ. RNA sequencing of transformed lymphoblastoid cells from siblings discordant for autism spectrum disorders reveals transcriptomic and functional alterations: Evidence for sex-specific effects. Autism Res 2016; 10:439-455. [DOI: 10.1002/aur.1679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel S. Tylee
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Neuroscience and Physiology; Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology & Neurobiology Laboratory (PsychGENe Lab), SUNY Upstate Medical University; Syracuse New York
| | - Alfred J. Espinoza
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Neuroscience and Physiology; Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology & Neurobiology Laboratory (PsychGENe Lab), SUNY Upstate Medical University; Syracuse New York
| | - Jonathan L. Hess
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Neuroscience and Physiology; Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology & Neurobiology Laboratory (PsychGENe Lab), SUNY Upstate Medical University; Syracuse New York
| | - Muhammad A. Tahir
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Neuroscience and Physiology; Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology & Neurobiology Laboratory (PsychGENe Lab), SUNY Upstate Medical University; Syracuse New York
| | - Sarah Y. McCoy
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Neuroscience and Physiology; Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology & Neurobiology Laboratory (PsychGENe Lab), SUNY Upstate Medical University; Syracuse New York
| | - Joshua K. Rim
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Neuroscience and Physiology; Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology & Neurobiology Laboratory (PsychGENe Lab), SUNY Upstate Medical University; Syracuse New York
| | - Totadri Dhimal
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Neuroscience and Physiology; Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology & Neurobiology Laboratory (PsychGENe Lab), SUNY Upstate Medical University; Syracuse New York
| | - Ori S. Cohen
- Department of Neuroscience; The Scripps Research Institute; Jupiter Florida
| | - Stephen J. Glatt
- Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences & Neuroscience and Physiology; Psychiatric Genetic Epidemiology & Neurobiology Laboratory (PsychGENe Lab), SUNY Upstate Medical University; Syracuse New York
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29
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Chen SF, Chien YL, Wu CT, Shang CY, Wu YY, Gau SS. Deficits in executive functions among youths with autism spectrum disorders: an age-stratified analysis. Psychol Med 2016; 46:1625-1638. [PMID: 26997535 PMCID: PMC4873936 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291715002238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 09/24/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired executive function (EF) is suggested to be one of the core features in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD); however, little is known about whether the extent of worse EF in ASD than typically developing (TD) controls is age-dependent. We used age-stratified analysis to reveal this issue. METHOD We assessed 111 youths with ASD (aged 12.5 ± 2.8 years, male 94.6%) and 114 age-, and sex-matched TD controls with Digit Span and four EF tasks of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB): Spatial Span (SSP), Spatial Working Memory (SWM), Stockings of Cambridge (SOC), and Intradimensional/Extradimensional Shift Test (I/ED). RESULTS Compared to TD controls, youths with ASD performed poorer on the Digit Span, SWM, SOC, and I/ED tasks. The performance of all the tasks improved with age for both groups. Age-stratified analyses were conducted due to significant age × group interactions in visuospatial planning (SOC) and set-shifting (I/ED) and showed that poorer performance on these two tasks in ASD than TD controls was found only in the child (aged 8-12 years) rather than the adolescent (aged 13-18 years) group. By contrast, youths with ASD had impaired working memory, regardless of age. The increased magnitude of group difference in visuospatial planning (SOC) with increased task demands differed between the two age groups but no age moderating effect on spatial working memory. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support deficits in visuospatial working memory and planning in youths with ASD; however, worse performance in set-shifting may only be demonstrated in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S.-F. Chen
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry,
Taipei Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi
Medical Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Occupational Therapy,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y.-L. Chien
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C.-T. Wu
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Occupational Therapy,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - C.-Y. Shang
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Y.-Y. Wu
- Department of Psychiatry,
Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou,
Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - S. S. Gau
- Department of Psychiatry,
National Taiwan University Hospital & College of
Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
- School of Occupational Therapy,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine,
College of Medicine, National Taiwan
University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Psychology,
Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, Graduate
Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, National
Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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30
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Vijayakumar NT, Judy MV. Autism spectrum disorders: Integration of the genome, transcriptome and the environment. J Neurol Sci 2016; 364:167-76. [PMID: 27084239 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2016.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2015] [Revised: 02/18/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders denote a series of lifelong neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by an impaired social communication profile and often repetitive, stereotyped behavior. Recent years have seen the complex genetic architecture of the disease being progressively unraveled with advancements in gene finding technology and next generation sequencing methods. However, a complete elucidation of the molecular mechanisms behind autism is necessary for potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications. A multidisciplinary approach should be adopted where the focus is not only on the 'genetics' of autism but also on the combinational roles of epigenetics, transcriptomics, immune system disruption and environmental factors that could all influence the etiopathogenesis of the disease. ASD is a clinically heterogeneous disorder with great genetic complexity; only through an integrated multidimensional effort can modern autism research progress further.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Thushara Vijayakumar
- Department of Computer Science & IT., Amrita School of Arts & Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita University, Kochi, India.
| | - M V Judy
- Department of Computer Science & IT., Amrita School of Arts & Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita University, Kochi, India
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31
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Araujo DJ, Anderson AG, Berto S, Runnels W, Harper M, Ammanuel S, Rieger MA, Huang HC, Rajkovich K, Loerwald KW, Dekker JD, Tucker HO, Dougherty JD, Gibson JR, Konopka G. FoxP1 orchestration of ASD-relevant signaling pathways in the striatum. Genes Dev 2016; 29:2081-96. [PMID: 26494785 PMCID: PMC4617974 DOI: 10.1101/gad.267989.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
In this study, Araujo et al. demonstrate that Foxp1 plays a role in the transcriptional regulation of autism-related pathways as well as genes involved in neuronal activity by identifying the gene expression program regulated by FoxP1 in both human neural cells and patient-relevant heterozygous Foxp1 mouse brains. Mutations in the transcription factor Forkhead box p1 (FOXP1) are causative for neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism. However, the function of FOXP1 within the brain remains largely uncharacterized. Here, we identify the gene expression program regulated by FoxP1 in both human neural cells and patient-relevant heterozygous Foxp1 mouse brains. We demonstrate a role for FoxP1 in the transcriptional regulation of autism-related pathways as well as genes involved in neuronal activity. We show that Foxp1 regulates the excitability of striatal medium spiny neurons and that reduction of Foxp1 correlates with defects in ultrasonic vocalizations. Finally, we demonstrate that FoxP1 has an evolutionarily conserved role in regulating pathways involved in striatal neuron identity through gene expression studies in human neural progenitors with altered FOXP1 levels. These data support an integral role for FoxP1 in regulating signaling pathways vulnerable in autism and the specific regulation of striatal pathways important for vocal communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Araujo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Ashley G Anderson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Stefano Berto
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Wesley Runnels
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Matthew Harper
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Simon Ammanuel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Michael A Rieger
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Hung-Chung Huang
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA; Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, Mississippi 39217, USA
| | - Kacey Rajkovich
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Kristofer W Loerwald
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Joseph D Dekker
- University of Texas at Austin, Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Haley O Tucker
- University of Texas at Austin, Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Austin, Texas 78712, USA
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA
| | - Jay R Gibson
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Genevieve Konopka
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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32
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Whitney O, Voyles T, Hara E, Chen Q, White SA, Wright TF. Differential FoxP2 and FoxP1 expression in a vocal learning nucleus of the developing budgerigar. Dev Neurobiol 2015; 75:778-90. [PMID: 25407828 PMCID: PMC4437895 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The forkhead domain FOXP2 and FOXP1 transcription factors are implicated in several cognitive disorders with language deficits, notably autism, and thus play a central role in learned vocal motor behavior in humans. Although a similar role for FoxP2 and FoxP1 is proposed for other vertebrate species, including songbirds, the neurodevelopmental expression of these genes are unknown in a species with lifelong vocal learning abilities. Like humans, budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) learn new vocalizations throughout their entire lifetime. Like songbirds, budgerigars have distinct brain nuclei for vocal learning, which include the magnocellular nucleus of the medial striatum (MMSt), a basal ganglia region that is considered developmentally and functionally analogous to Area X in songbirds. Here, we used in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry to investigate FoxP2 and FoxP1 expression in the MMSt of juvenile and adult budgerigars. We found FoxP2 mRNA and protein expression levels in the MMSt that were lower than the surrounding striatum throughout development and adulthood. In contrast, FoxP1 mRNA and protein had an elevated MMSt/striatum expression ratio as birds matured, regardless of their sex. These results show that life-long vocal plasticity in budgerigars is associated with persistent low-level FoxP2 expression in the budgerigar MMSt, and suggests the possibility that FoxP1 plays an organizational role in the neurodevelopment of vocal motor circuitry. Thus, developmental regulation of the FoxP2 and FoxP1 genes in the basal ganglia appears essential for vocal mimicry in a range of species that possess this relatively rare trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osceola Whitney
- New Mexico State University, Department of Biology, Las Cruces, NM 88003
| | - Tawni Voyles
- New Mexico State University, Department of Biology, Las Cruces, NM 88003
| | - Erina Hara
- New Mexico State University, Department of Biology, Las Cruces, NM 88003
| | - Qianqian Chen
- Interdepartmental Program of Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Stephanie A. White
- Interdepartmental Program of Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Timothy F. Wright
- New Mexico State University, Department of Biology, Las Cruces, NM 88003
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Hu Z, Zhu L, Gao J, Cai M, Tan M, Liu J, Lin B. Expression of FOXP1 in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and its correlation with chemotherapy resistance and prognosis. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:7269-75. [PMID: 25895457 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3383-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the expression of FOXP1 in ovarian tumors and correlate it with clinicopathological parameters, chemotherapy resistance, and prognosis. FOXP1 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was examined in fresh ovarian cancer tissues and normal ovarian tissues, and FOXP1 protein expression was determined in a total of 201 ovarian tissue samples, including 152 cases of primary epithelial ovarian cancer, 26 borderline ovarian tumors, 13 benign ovarian tumors, and 10 normal ovarian tissues. Complete chemotherapy and follow-up data were available in 92 of the 152 epithelial ovarian cancer patients. The relationship between FOXP1 protein expression and ovarian cancer pathological characteristics, chemotherapy resistance, and survival time was analyzed. FOXP1 mRNA expression was downregulated in ovarian cancer tissues compared with that in normal ovarian tissues. Decreased nuclear and increased cytoplasmic FOXP1 protein expression was correlated with increasing tumor grade. Nuclear FOXP1 expression was an independent risk factor associated with chemotherapy resistance and the prognosis of patients with ovarian cancer. FOXP1 expression is closely related to the degree of malignancy of epithelial ovarian cancer and may be a reliable index of the chemoresistance and prognosis of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenhua Hu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Liancheng Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, China
| | - Mingbo Cai
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, China
| | - Mingzi Tan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, China
| | - Juanjuan Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, China
| | - Bei Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, No. 36 Sanhao Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110004, China.
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Lloveras E, Vendrell T, Fernández A, Castells N, Cueto A, del Campo M, Hernando C, Villa O, Plaja A. Intrachromosomal 3p insertion as a cause of reciprocal pure interstitial deletion and duplication in two siblings: further delineation of the emerging proximal 3p deletion syndrome. Cytogenet Genome Res 2015; 144:290-3. [PMID: 25720458 DOI: 10.1159/000375184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Very few cases of constitutional interstitial deletions of the proximal short arm of chromosome 3 have been reported; however, the proximal 3p deletion is emerging as a clinically recognizable syndrome. We present an intrachromosomal insertion of 3p12.3p14.1 in a phenotypic normal man (46,XY,ins(3)(p25p12.3p14.1)) which is responsible for the unbalanced karyotype in 2 affected offspring, one with a 3p12.3p14.1 interstitial deletion and the other with a reciprocal duplication. The exceptionality of these 2 reciprocal recombinants contributes to a better definition of the proximal 3p deletion syndrome and its duplication counterpart.
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35
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The sound of one hand clapping: overdetermination and the pansensory nature of communication. Behav Brain Sci 2014; 37:546-7; discussion 577-604. [PMID: 25514936 DOI: 10.1017/s0140525x13003944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Two substantive issues are relevant to discussions of the evolution of acoustic communication and merit further consideration here. The first is the importance of communicative ontogeny and the impact of the proximal social environment on the early development of communication and language. The second is the emerging evidence for a number of non-linguistic roles of FOXP2 and its orthologs.
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Guo W, Tsujimura K, Otsuka I M, Irie K, Igarashi K, Nakashima K, Zhao X. VPA alleviates neurological deficits and restores gene expression in a mouse model of Rett syndrome. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100215. [PMID: 24968028 PMCID: PMC4072629 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 05/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that occurs once in every 10,000–15,000 live female births. Despite intensive research, no effective cure is yet available. Valproic acid (VPA) has been used widely to treat mood disorder, epilepsy, and a growing number of other disorders. In limited clinical studies, VPA has also been used to control seizure in RTT patients with promising albeit somewhat unclear efficacy. In this study we tested the effect of VPA on the neurological symptoms of RTT and discovered that short-term VPA treatment during the symptomatic period could reduce neurological symptoms in RTT mice. We found that VPA restores the expression of a subset of genes in RTT mouse brains, and these genes clustered in neurological disease and developmental disorder networks. Our data suggest that VPA could be used as a drug to alleviate RTT symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weixiang Guo
- Department of Neuroscience and Waisman Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Keita Tsujimura
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Maky Otsuka I
- Life Science Tokyo Advanced Research center (L-StaR), Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koichiro Irie
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Katsuhide Igarashi
- Life Science Tokyo Advanced Research center (L-StaR), Hoshi University School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kinichi Nakashima
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Xinyu Zhao
- Department of Neuroscience and Waisman Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
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37
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Mendoza E, Colomb J, Rybak J, Pflüger HJ, Zars T, Scharff C, Brembs B. Drosophila FoxP mutants are deficient in operant self-learning. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100648. [PMID: 24964149 PMCID: PMC4070984 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2012] [Accepted: 05/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intact function of the Forkhead Box P2 (FOXP2) gene is necessary for normal development of speech and language. This important role has recently been extended, first to other forms of vocal learning in animals and then also to other forms of motor learning. The homology in structure and in function among the FoxP gene members raises the possibility that the ancestral FoxP gene may have evolved as a crucial component of the neural circuitry mediating motor learning. Here we report that genetic manipulations of the single Drosophila orthologue, dFoxP, disrupt operant self-learning, a form of motor learning sharing several conceptually analogous features with language acquisition. Structural alterations of the dFoxP locus uncovered the role of dFoxP in operant self-learning and habit formation, as well as the dispensability of dFoxP for operant world-learning, in which no motor learning occurs. These manipulations also led to subtle alterations in the brain anatomy, including a reduced volume of the optic glomeruli. RNAi-mediated interference with dFoxP expression levels copied the behavioral phenotype of the mutant flies, even in the absence of mRNA degradation. Our results provide evidence that motor learning and language acquisition share a common ancestral trait still present in extant invertebrates, manifest in operant self-learning. This 'deep' homology probably traces back to before the split between vertebrate and invertebrate animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezequiel Mendoza
- Inst. Biol. – Behavioral Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julien Colomb
- Inst. Biol. – Neurobiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jürgen Rybak
- Neuroethology, Max-Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology, Jena, Germany
| | | | - Troy Zars
- Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri, United States of America
| | - Constance Scharff
- Inst. Biol. – Behavioral Biology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Björn Brembs
- Inst. Biol. – Neurobiology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institut für Zoologie - Neurogenetik, Universität Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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