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Ghafouri-Fard S, Pourtavakoli A, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Ayatollahi SA. A Review on the Role of Genetic Mutations in the Autism Spectrum Disorder. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:5256-5272. [PMID: 37278883 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03405-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is among the most widespread neurodevelopmental diseases, with an approximate prevalence rate of 1 in 59. From a genetic point of view, this disorder is highly heterogeneous. This disorder is associated with both inheritable and de novo mutations in several genes. In addition to genetic loci that are identified through early karyotype analyses, recent advent of high throughput sequencing methods has facilitated identification of several genetic loci that confer risk of ASD. The current review provides an overview of different types of identified mutations including missense and nonsense mutations and copy number variations in various genes in individuals affected with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ashkan Pourtavakoli
- Phytochemistry Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
- Urology and Nephrology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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2
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Neurofibromatosis Type 1: Pediatric Aspects and Review of Genotype-Phenotype Correlations. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041217. [PMID: 36831560 PMCID: PMC9954221 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is an autosomal dominant condition, with a birth incidence of approximately 1:2000-3000, caused by germline pathogenic variants in NF1, a tumor suppressor gene encoding neurofibromin, a negative regulator of the RAS/MAPK pathway. This explains why NF1 is included in the group of RASopathies and shares several clinical features with Noonan syndrome. Here, we describe the main clinical characteristics and complications associated with NF1, particularly those occurring in pediatric age. NF1 has complete penetrance and shows wide inter- and intrafamilial phenotypic variability and age-dependent appearance of manifestations. Clinical presentation and history of NF1 are multisystemic and highly unpredictable, especially in the first years of life when penetrance is still incomplete. In this scenario of extreme phenotypic variability, some genotype-phenotype associations need to be taken into consideration, as they strongly impact on genetic counseling and prognostication of the disease. We provide a synthetic review, based on the most recent literature data, of all known genotype-phenotype correlations from a genetic and clinical perspective. Molecular diagnosis is fundamental for the confirmation of doubtful clinical diagnoses, especially in the light of recently revised diagnostic criteria, and for the early identification of genotypes, albeit few, that correlate with specific phenotypes.
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3
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In Vitro Recapitulation of Neuropsychiatric Disorders with Pluripotent Stem Cells-Derived Brain Organoids. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182312431. [PMID: 34886158 PMCID: PMC8657206 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182312431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Adolescent neuropsychiatric disorders have been recently increasing due to genetic and environmental influences. Abnormal brain development before and after birth contribute to the pathology of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, it is difficult to experimentally investigate because of the complexity of brain and ethical constraints. Recently generated human brain organoids from pluripotent stem cells are considered as a promising in vitro model to recapitulate brain development and diseases. To better understand how brain organoids could be applied to investigate neuropsychiatric disorders, we analyzed the key consideration points, including how to generate brain organoids from pluripotent stem cells, the current application of brain organoids in recapitulating neuropsychiatric disorders and the future perspectives. This review covered what have been achieved on modeling the cellular and neural circuit deficits of neuropsychiatric disorders and those challenges yet to be solved. Together, this review aims to provide a fundamental understanding of how to generate brain organoids to model neuropsychiatric disorders, which will be helpful in improving the mental health of adolescents.
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Mignogna ML, Ficarella R, Gelmini S, Marzulli L, Ponzi E, Gabellone A, Peschechera A, Alessio M, Margari L, Gentile M, D'Adamo P. Clinical characterization of a novel RAB39B nonstop mutation in a family with ASD and severe ID causing RAB39B downregulation and study of a Rab39b knock down mouse model. Hum Mol Genet 2021; 31:1389-1406. [PMID: 34761259 PMCID: PMC9071400 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddab320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) often exist together in patients. The RAB39B gene has been reported to be mutated in ID patients with additional clinical features ranging from ASD, macrocephaly, seizures and/or early-onset parkinsonism. Here, we describe a novel RAB39B nonstop mutation [Xq28; c.640 T > C; p.(*214Glnext*21)] in a family with ASD, severe ID and poor motor coordination, and we assessed the pathogenicity of the mutation. A heterologous cell system and a Rab39b knockdown (KD) murine model, which mimic the nonstop mutation, were used to validate the deleterious effect of the RAB39B mutation. The mutation led to RAB39B protein instability, resulting in its increased degradation and consequent downregulation. Using a Rab39b KD mouse model, we demonstrated that the downregulation of RAB39B led to increased GluA2 lacking Ca2+-permeable AMPAR composition at the hippocampal neuronal surface and increased dendritic spine density that remained in an immature filopodia-like state. These phenotypes affected behavioural performance in a disease-specific manner. Rab39b KD mice revealed impaired social behaviour but intact social recognition. They also showed normal anxiety-like, exploratory and motivational behaviours but impaired working and associative memories. In conclusion, we found a novel RAB39B nonstop variant that segregated in a family with a clinical phenotype including ID, ASD and poor motor coordination. The pathogenicity of mutations causing the downregulation of RAB39B proteins, impacting AMPAR trafficking and dendritic spine morphogenesis, reinforced the idea that AMPAR modulation and dendritic spine assets could be considered hallmarks of neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lidia Mignogna
- Molecular genetics of intellectual disability, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Romina Ficarella
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Reproductive Medicine, ASL Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Susanna Gelmini
- Molecular genetics of intellectual disability, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Marzulli
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro"
| | - Emanuela Ponzi
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Reproductive Medicine, ASL Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Gabellone
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro"
| | - Antonia Peschechera
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro"
| | - Massino Alessio
- Proteome Biochemistry, Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lucia Margari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro"
| | - Mattia Gentile
- Medical Genetics Unit, Department of Reproductive Medicine, ASL Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Patrizia D'Adamo
- Molecular genetics of intellectual disability, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Guo YX, Ma HX, Zhang YX, Chen ZH, Zhai QX. Whole-Exome Sequencing for Identifying Genetic Causes of Intellectual Developmental Disorders. Int J Gen Med 2021; 14:1275-1282. [PMID: 33880059 PMCID: PMC8053495 DOI: 10.2147/ijgm.s300775] [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: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intellectual developmental disorders (IDD) generally refers to the persistent impairment of cognitive activities and mental retardation caused by physical damage to the brain or incomplete brain development. We aimed to explore its genetic causes. Methods In this study, 21 IDD patients were recruited. The Gesell developmental scales (GDS) and Wechsler intelligence scale for children (WISC) were used to assess the impaired level of intellectual development for all probands. A superconducting MRI scanner (Philips AcsNT 3.0 T Philips, Best, The Netherlands) was used to perform a plain MRI scan of the skull on the probands. The whole-exome sequencing was carried out using next-generation sequencing in all probands and their families. Results Eight had seizures and four had typical characteristics of autism. Pregnancy and delivery were uneventful except for three patients. Moderate IDD (52.4%) accounted for the majority. The abnormal MRI results included ventriculomegaly, pachygyria, broadening external cerebral space, abnormal signal change and agenesis of corpus callosum. Eleven variants were identified, including the variant in CREBBP, MECP2, HCFC1, ATRX, RAB39B, CLCN4, DYRK1A and CASKgenes. The function areas result of gene-positive group were compared to that of gene-negative group. Not significant (p>0.05) items were revealed after this analysis. Conclusion Eleven variants were identified, including the variant in CREBBP, MECP2, HCFC1, ATRX, RAB39B, CLCN4, DYRK1A and CASK genes. The function areas result of gene-positive group were not significantly different from the gene-negative group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Xiong Guo
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Xia Ma
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, 524000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Xin Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhi-Hong Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong-Xiang Zhai
- The Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pediatrics, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
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Russo C, Russo C, Cascone D, Mazio F, Santoro C, Covelli EM, Cinalli G. Non-Oncological Neuroradiological Manifestations in NF1 and Their Clinical Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13081831. [PMID: 33921292 PMCID: PMC8070534 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081831] [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: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Central nervous system involvement (CNS) is a common finding in Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Beside tumor-related manifestations, NF1 is also characterized by a wide spectrum of CNS alterations with variable impacts on functioning and life quality. Here, we propose an overview of non-oncological neuroradiological findings in NF1, with an insight on pathophysiological and embryological clues for a better understanding of the development of these specific alterations. Abstract Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), the most frequent phakomatosis and one of the most common inherited tumor predisposition syndromes, is characterized by several manifestations that pervasively involve central and peripheral nervous system structures. The disorder is due to mutations in the NF1 gene, which encodes for the ubiquitous tumor suppressor protein neurofibromin; neurofibromin is highly expressed in neural crest derived tissues, where it plays a crucial role in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and structural organization. This review article aims to provide an overview on NF1 non-neoplastic manifestations of neuroradiological interest, involving both the central nervous system and spine. We also briefly review the most recent MRI functional findings in NF1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Russo
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI), University of Naples “Federico II”, 80125 Naples, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-333-7050711
| | - Carmela Russo
- Pediatric Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.C.); (F.M.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Daniele Cascone
- Pediatric Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.C.); (F.M.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Federica Mazio
- Pediatric Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.C.); (F.M.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Claudia Santoro
- Neurofibromatosis Referral Center, Department of Woman, Child, General and Specialized Surgery, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- Clinic of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Department of Mental and Physical Health, and Preventive Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, 80138 Naples, Italy
| | - Eugenio Maria Covelli
- Pediatric Neuroradiology Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy; (C.R.); (D.C.); (F.M.); (E.M.C.)
| | - Giuseppe Cinalli
- Pediatric Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Pediatric Neurosciences, Santobono-Pausilipon Children’s Hospital, 80129 Naples, Italy;
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A novel MEIS2 mutation explains the complex phenotype in a boy with a typical NF1 microdeletion syndrome. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104190. [PMID: 33722742 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Concurrence of distinct genetic conditions in the same patient is not rare. Several cases involving neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) have recently been reported, indicating the need for more extensive molecular analysis when phenotypic features cannot be explained by a single gene mutation. Here, we describe the clinical presentation of a boy with a typical NF1 microdeletion syndrome complicated by cleft palate and other dysmorphic features, hypoplasia of corpus callosum, and partial bicoronal craniosynostosis caused by a novel 2bp deletion in exon 2 of Meis homeobox 2 gene (MEIS2) inherited from the mildly affected father. This is only the second case of an inherited MEIS2 intragenic mutation reported to date. MEIS2 is known to be associated with cleft palate, intellectual disability, heart defects, and dysmorphic features. Our clinical report suggests that this gene may also have a role in cranial morphogenesis in humans, as previously observed in animal models.
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Niu M, Zheng N, Wang Z, Gao Y, Luo X, Chen Z, Fu X, Wang Y, Wang T, Liu M, Yao T, Yao P, Meng J, Zhou Y, Ge Y, Wang Z, Ma Q, Xu H, Zhang YW. RAB39B Deficiency Impairs Learning and Memory Partially Through Compromising Autophagy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:598622. [PMID: 33364235 PMCID: PMC7753041 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.598622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
RAB39B is located on the X chromosome and encodes the RAB39B protein that belongs to the RAB family. Mutations in RAB39B are known to be associated with X-linked intellectual disability (XLID), Parkinson’s disease, and autism. However, the patho/physiological functions of RAB39B remain largely unknown. In the present study, we established Rab39b knockout (KO) mice, which exhibited overall normal birth rate and morphologies as wild type mice. However, Rab39b deficiency led to reduced anxiety and impaired learning and memory in 2 months old mice. Deletion of Rab39b resulted in impairments of synaptic structures and functions, with reductions in NMDA receptors in the postsynaptic density (PSD). RAB39B deficiency also compromised autophagic flux at basal level, which could be overridden by rapamycin-induced autophagy activation. Further, treatment with rapamycin partially rescued impaired memory and synaptic plasticity in Rab39b KO mice, without affecting the PSD distribution of NMDA receptors. Together, these results suggest that RAB39B plays an important role in regulating both autophagy and synapse formation, and that targeting autophagy may have potential for treating XLID caused by RAB39B loss-of-function mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengxi Niu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Naizhen Zheng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zijie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xianghua Luo
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhicai Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xing Fu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanyan Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Manqing Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Tingting Yao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Peijie Yao
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Jian Meng
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yunqiang Zhou
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yunlong Ge
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zhanxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qilin Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Huaxi Xu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yun-Wu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China.,Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease and Aging Research, Institute of Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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