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Smith RC, Sershen H, Chen A, Jin H, Guidotti A, Davis JM. Relationship of cognitive measures to mRNA levels in lymphocytes from patients with schizophrenia and controls. Schizophr Res Cogn 2024; 38:100321. [PMID: 39040617 PMCID: PMC11261145 DOI: 10.1016/j.scog.2024.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Patients with schizophrenia show substantial cognitive deficits and abnormalities in neurotransmitter-related levels of mRNA in brain or peripheral blood lymphocytes. However, the relationship of cognitive deficits as measured by the MATRICS battery and mRNA levels in brain or lymphocytes has not been sufficiently explored. We measured levels of methylation or neurotransmitter-related mRNAs in lymphocytes of 38 patients with chronic schizophrenia (CSZ) and 33 non-psychotic controls (controls) by qPCR using TaqMan probes. We assessed cognitive function in these patients and controls with the MATRICS battery. We used correlation analysis and scatter plots to assess the relationship of lymphocyte mRNA levels to MATRICS domain and composite scores. CSZ subjects had a consistently negative correlation between mRNA levels in lymphocytes and MATRICS cognitive variables of speed of processing, attention-vigilance, working memory, visual learning, and overall composite score. It is uncertain whether these negative correlations represent a causative relation between specific mRNA levels and cognitive deficits. Controls had either positive correlations or non-significant correlations between mRNA and most of the MATRICS variables. There were statistically significant differences in the correlations between mRNA and MATRICS variables between CSZ vs controls for several mRNAs (DNMT1, DNMT3A, BDNF, NR3C1, FPRF3, CNTNAP2). Our data show a different relationship between mRNA levels in peripheral blood lymphocytes and MATRICS cognitive variables in CSZ vs controls. The substantive significance of these differences needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert C. Smith
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Henry Sershen
- Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
- NYU Grossman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA
| | - AnMei Chen
- Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hua Jin
- University of California San Diego, Department of Psychiatry, and VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Alexandro Guidotti
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John M. Davis
- The Psychiatric Institute, University of Illinois, Department of Psychiatry, Chicago, IL, USA
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Arutiunian V, Santhosh M, Neuhaus E, Sullivan CAW, Bernier RA, Bookheimer SY, Dapretto M, Geschwind DH, Jack A, McPartland JC, Van Horn JD, Pelphrey KA, Gupta AR, Webb SJ. A common genetic variant in the Neurexin family member CNTNAP2 is related to language but not communication skills in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2024. [PMID: 38984666 DOI: 10.1002/aur.3193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
One of the candidate genes related to language variability in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is the contactin-associated protein-like 2 gene (CNTNAP2), a member of the Neurexin family. However, due to the different assessment tools used, it is unknown whether the polymorphisms of the CNTNAP2 gene are linked to structural language skills or more general communication abilities. A total of 302 youth aged 7 to 18 years participated in the present study: 131 verbal youth with ASD (62 female), 130 typically developing (TD) youth (64 female), and 41 unaffected siblings (US) of youth with ASD (25 female). Blood samples were collected to obtain genomic DNA and processed by the Rutgers University Cell and Data Repository or using standard protocols (Gentra Puregene Blood DNA extraction kit; Qiagen). Language and verbal communication skills were screened with the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamental-4 (CELF-4) and Vineland-II Communication domain, subsequently. The results showed that the polymorphism of CNTNAP2 (SNP rs2710102) was related to structural language abilities, such that participants carrying the A-allele had lower language skills in comparison to the G-allele homozygotes. No relationship was found between the polymorphism of CNTNAP2 and more general communication abilities. Although the study revealed genetic mechanisms that are associated with CELF-4 measures but not Vineland-II in youth with ASD, follow-up studies are needed that will include measures of language and communication that are less correlated to each other as well as will include a group of minimally and/or non-verbal individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardan Arutiunian
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Megha Santhosh
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Emily Neuhaus
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Raphael A Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Susan Y Bookheimer
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Mirella Dapretto
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daniel H Geschwind
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Allison Jack
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
| | - James C McPartland
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - John D Van Horn
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- School of Data Science, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kevin A Pelphrey
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Virginia, USA
| | - Abha R Gupta
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sara Jane Webb
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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3
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Ruzicka WB, Mohammadi S, Fullard JF, Davila-Velderrain J, Subburaju S, Tso DR, Hourihan M, Jiang S, Lee HC, Bendl J, Voloudakis G, Haroutunian V, Hoffman GE, Roussos P, Kellis M. Single-cell multi-cohort dissection of the schizophrenia transcriptome. Science 2024; 384:eadg5136. [PMID: 38781388 DOI: 10.1126/science.adg5136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The complexity and heterogeneity of schizophrenia have hindered mechanistic elucidation and the development of more effective therapies. Here, we performed single-cell dissection of schizophrenia-associated transcriptomic changes in the human prefrontal cortex across 140 individuals in two independent cohorts. Excitatory neurons were the most affected cell group, with transcriptional changes converging on neurodevelopment and synapse-related molecular pathways. Transcriptional alterations included known genetic risk factors, suggesting convergence of rare and common genomic variants on neuronal population-specific alterations in schizophrenia. Based on the magnitude of schizophrenia-associated transcriptional change, we identified two populations of individuals with schizophrenia marked by expression of specific excitatory and inhibitory neuronal cell states. This single-cell atlas links transcriptomic changes to etiological genetic risk factors, contextualizing established knowledge within the human cortical cytoarchitecture and facilitating mechanistic understanding of schizophrenia pathophysiology and heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Brad Ruzicka
- Laboratory for Epigenomics in Human Psychopathology, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Shahin Mohammadi
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - John F Fullard
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jose Davila-Velderrain
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
- Neurogenomics Research Center, Human Technopole, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Sivan Subburaju
- Laboratory for Epigenomics in Human Psychopathology, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel Reed Tso
- Laboratory for Epigenomics in Human Psychopathology, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Makayla Hourihan
- Laboratory for Epigenomics in Human Psychopathology, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA 02478, USA
| | - Shan Jiang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Hao-Chih Lee
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jaroslav Bendl
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Georgios Voloudakis
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Vahram Haroutunian
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Centers, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
| | - Gabriel E Hoffman
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Panos Roussos
- Center for Disease Neurogenomics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Icahn Institute for Data Science and Genomic Technology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Neurogenomics Research Center, Human Technopole, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Manolis Kellis
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
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Kucińska A, Hawuła W, Rutkowska L, Wysocka U, Kępczyński Ł, Piotrowicz M, Chilarska T, Wieczorek-Cichecka N, Połatyńska K, Przysło Ł, Gach A. The Use of CGH Arrays for Identifying Copy Number Variations in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2024; 14:273. [PMID: 38539661 PMCID: PMC10968557 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14030273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) encompass a broad group of neurodevelopmental disorders with varied clinical symptoms, all being characterized by deficits in social communication and repetitive behavior. Although the etiology of ASD is heterogeneous, with many genes involved, a crucial role is believed to be played by copy number variants (CNVs). The present study examines the role of copy number variation in the development of isolated ASD, or ASD with additional clinical features, among a group of 180 patients ranging in age from two years and four months to 17 years and nine months. Samples were taken and subjected to array-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), the gold standard in detecting gains or losses in the genome, using a 4 × 180 CytoSure Autism Research Array, with a resolution of around 75 kb. The results indicated the presence of nine pathogenic and six likely pathogenic imbalances, and 20 variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) among the group. Relevant variants were more prevalent in patients with ASD and additional clinical features. Twelve of the detected variants, four of which were probably pathogenic, would not have been identified using the routine 8 × 60 k microarray. These results confirm the value of microarrays in ASD diagnostics and highlight the need for dedicated tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Kucińska
- Department of Genetics, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (W.H.); (L.R.); (U.W.); (Ł.K.); (M.P.); (T.C.); (N.W.-C.); (A.G.)
| | - Wanda Hawuła
- Department of Genetics, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (W.H.); (L.R.); (U.W.); (Ł.K.); (M.P.); (T.C.); (N.W.-C.); (A.G.)
| | - Lena Rutkowska
- Department of Genetics, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (W.H.); (L.R.); (U.W.); (Ł.K.); (M.P.); (T.C.); (N.W.-C.); (A.G.)
| | - Urszula Wysocka
- Department of Genetics, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (W.H.); (L.R.); (U.W.); (Ł.K.); (M.P.); (T.C.); (N.W.-C.); (A.G.)
| | - Łukasz Kępczyński
- Department of Genetics, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (W.H.); (L.R.); (U.W.); (Ł.K.); (M.P.); (T.C.); (N.W.-C.); (A.G.)
| | - Małgorzata Piotrowicz
- Department of Genetics, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (W.H.); (L.R.); (U.W.); (Ł.K.); (M.P.); (T.C.); (N.W.-C.); (A.G.)
| | - Tatiana Chilarska
- Department of Genetics, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (W.H.); (L.R.); (U.W.); (Ł.K.); (M.P.); (T.C.); (N.W.-C.); (A.G.)
| | - Nina Wieczorek-Cichecka
- Department of Genetics, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (W.H.); (L.R.); (U.W.); (Ł.K.); (M.P.); (T.C.); (N.W.-C.); (A.G.)
| | - Katarzyna Połatyńska
- Department of Developmental Neurology and Epileptology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (K.P.); (Ł.P.)
| | - Łukasz Przysło
- Department of Developmental Neurology and Epileptology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (K.P.); (Ł.P.)
| | - Agnieszka Gach
- Department of Genetics, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital-Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland; (W.H.); (L.R.); (U.W.); (Ł.K.); (M.P.); (T.C.); (N.W.-C.); (A.G.)
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Ul Mudassir B, Agha Z. Novel and known minor alleles of CNTNAP2 gene variants are associated with comorbidity of intellectual disability and epilepsy phenotypes: a case-control association study reveals potential biomarkers. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:276. [PMID: 38315301 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-09176-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders are heterogeneous due to underlying multiple shared genetic pathways and risk factors. Intellectual disability, epilepsy and autism spectrum disorder phenotypes overlap which indicates the diverse effects of common genes. Recent studies suggested the probable contribution of CNTNAP2 gene polymorphisms to the comorbidity of these neurological conditions. METHODS AND RESULTS This study was conducted to investigate the role of CNTNAP2 polymorphisms rs147815978 (G>T) and rs2710102 (A>G) as a risk factor for comorbidity of intellectual disability and epilepsy in a group of 345 individuals including 170 patients and 175 healthy controls recruited from various ethnic groups of Pakistani population. Our case-control study group was genotyped by tetra primer ARMS-PCR technique and results were analysed to know the effects of CNTNAP2 rs147815978 (G>T) and rs2710102 (A>G) polymorphisms in the group. The frequency of risk allele T (rs147815978) and risk allele G (rs2710102) for homozygous recessive genotypes (TT/GG) in our study group was 36.47% while odds ratios for risk allele T (rs147815978) was 5.45 (3.90-7.61: 95% CI, P = 0.000) and that for risk allele G (rs2710102) was 2.39 (1.76-3.24: 95% CI, P = 0.0001). Homozygous recessive genotypes (TT/GG) appeared only in cases and not in control group which indicated these as suspected risk genotypes and the significant association (p < 0.05%) of CNTNAP2 gene polymorphisms rs147815978 (G>T) and rs2710102 (A>G) with co-occurrence of intellectual disability and epilepsy phenotypes in our study group which is in HWE (χ2 = 174, P < 0.0001). Logistic regression analysis shows additive (p < 0.0001) and multiplicative (p < 0.001) models which confirms significant association of both the polymorphisms in our data, which are closely located on same haplotype (D' = - 0.168). CONCLUSIONS We propose that CNTNAP2 rs147815978 (G>T) and rs2710102 (A>G) polymorphisms are possible risk loci for overlapping neurodevelopmental disorders in Pakistani population. We propose the role of a previously reported common SNP rs2710102 (A>G) with a rarely reported novel SNP rs147815978 (G>T) for CNTNAP2 gene association with neurodevelopmental disorders in our data. Our study has expanded the knowledge of CNTNAP2 gene polymorphisms as probable biomarkers for susceptibility of co-occurrence of intellectual disability and epilepsy phenotypes in Pakistani population. We hope that our study will open new horizons of CNTNAP2 gene variants research to cure the neurological conditions in Pakistani population where consanguinity is a tradition and prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders has increased from 1 to 2% during last 5 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behjat Ul Mudassir
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Zehra Agha
- Translational Genomics Laboratory, Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Islamabad, Pakistan.
- Department of Psychiatry, State University of New York at Buffalo, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA.
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Parrella NF, Hill AT, Dipnall LM, Loke YJ, Enticott PG, Ford TC. Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:113-125. [PMID: 38016393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a prominent role in regulating neural development and function, with disruption to GABAergic signalling linked to behavioural phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Such neurochemical disruption, likely resulting from diverse genetic and molecular mechanisms, particularly during early development, can subsequently affect the cellular balance of excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits, which may account for the social processing difficulties observed in autism and related conditions. This comprehensive narrative review integrates diverse streams of research from several disciplines, including molecular neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, and systems neuroscience. In so doing it aims to elucidate the relevance of inhibitory dysfunction to autism, with specific focus on social processing difficulties that represent a core feature of this disorder. Many of the social processing difficulties experienced in autism have been linked to higher levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and/or lower levels of inhibitory GABA. While current therapeutic options for social difficulties in autism are largely limited to behavioural interventions, this review highlights the psychopharmacological studies that explore the utility of GABA modulation in alleviating such difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron T Hill
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lillian M Dipnall
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Yuk Jing Loke
- Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Talitha C Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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7
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Fang Y, Cui Y, Yin Z, Hou M, Guo P, Wang H, Liu N, Cai C, Wang M. Comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis of the association between common genetic variants and autism spectrum disorder. Gene 2023; 887:147723. [PMID: 37598788 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by stereotyped behavior and deficits in communication and social interactions. To date, numerous studies have investigated the associations between genetic variants and ASD risk. However, the results of these published studies lack a clear consensus. In the present study, we performed a systematic review on the association between genetic variants and ASD risk. Meanwhile, we conducted a meta-analysis on available data to identify the association between the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of candidate genes and ASD risk. METHODS We systematically searched public databases including English and Chinese from their inception to August 1, 2022. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed study quality. Odds ratio and 95 % confidence interval were used as effect indexes to evaluate the association between the SNPs of candidate genes and the risk of ASD. Heterogeneity was explored through subgroup, sensitivity, and meta-regression analyses. Publication bias was assessed by using Egger's and Begg's tests for funnel plot asymmetry. In addition, TSA analysis were performed to confirm the study findings. RESULTS We summarized 84 SNPs of 32 candidate genes from 81 articles included in the study. Subsequently, we analyzed 16 SNPs of eight genes by calculating pooled ORs, and identified eight significant SNPs of contactin associated protein 2 (CNTNAP2), methylentetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), oxytocin receptor (OXTR), and vitamin D receptor (VDR). Results showed that seven SNPs, including the CNTNAP2 rs2710102 (homozygote, heterozygote, dominant and allelic models) and rs7794745 (heterozygote and dominant models), MTHFR C677T (homozygote, heterozygote, dominant, recessive and allelic models) and A1298C (dominant and allelic models), OXTR rs2254298 (homozygote and recessive models), VDR rs731236 (homozygote, dominant, recessive and allelic models) and rs2228570 (homozygote and recessive models), were showed to be correlated with an increased ASD risk. By contrast, the VDR rs7975232 was correlated with a decreased the risk of ASD under the homozygote and allelic models. CONCLUSION Our study summarized research evidence on the genetic variants of ASD and provides a broad and detailed overview of ASD risk genes. The C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of MTHFR, rs2710102 and rs7794745 polymorphisms of CNTNAP2, rs2254298 polymorphism of OXTR, and rs731236 and rs2228570 polymorphisms of VDR were genetic risk factors. The rs7975232 polymorphism of VDR was a genetic protective factor for ASD. Our study provides novel clues to clinicians and healthcare decision-makers to predict ASD susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulian Fang
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Yaqiong Cui
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Zhaoqing Yin
- Division of Pediatrics, The People's Hospital of Dehong Autonomous Prefecture, Dehong Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Mangshi, Yunnan 678400, China
| | - Mengzhu Hou
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Pan Guo
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China
| | - Hanjie Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tianjin University and Tianjin Engineering Center of Micro-Nano Biomaterials and Detection-Treatment Technology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Function and Application of Biological Macromolecular Structures, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Nan Liu
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; Institute of Environment and Health, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Chunquan Cai
- Tianjin Pediatric Research Institute, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin 300134, China.
| | - Mingbang Wang
- Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, China; Microbiome Therapy Center, South China Hospital, Medical School, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518116, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, China.
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8
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D'Onofrio G, Accogli A, Severino M, Caliskan H, Kokotović T, Blazekovic A, Jercic KG, Markovic S, Zigman T, Goran K, Barišić N, Duranovic V, Ban A, Borovecki F, Ramadža DP, Barić I, Fazeli W, Herkenrath P, Marini C, Vittorini R, Gowda V, Bouman A, Rocca C, Alkhawaja IA, Murtaza BN, Rehman MMU, Al Alam C, Nader G, Mancardi MM, Giacomini T, Srivastava S, Alvi JR, Tomoum H, Matricardi S, Iacomino M, Riva A, Scala M, Madia F, Pistorio A, Salpietro V, Minetti C, Rivière JB, Srour M, Efthymiou S, Maroofian R, Houlden H, Vernes SC, Zara F, Striano P, Nagy V. Genotype-phenotype correlation in contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP-2) developmental disorder. Hum Genet 2023; 142:909-925. [PMID: 37183190 PMCID: PMC10329570 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-023-02552-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene encodes for CASPR2, a presynaptic type 1 transmembrane protein, involved in cell-cell adhesion and synaptic interactions. Biallelic CNTNAP2 loss has been associated with "Pitt-Hopkins-like syndrome-1" (MIM#610042), while the pathogenic role of heterozygous variants remains controversial. We report 22 novel patients harboring mono- (n = 2) and bi-allelic (n = 20) CNTNAP2 variants and carried out a literature review to characterize the genotype-phenotype correlation. Patients (M:F 14:8) were aged between 3 and 19 years and affected by global developmental delay (GDD) (n = 21), moderate to profound intellectual disability (n = 17) and epilepsy (n = 21). Seizures mainly started in the first two years of life (median 22.5 months). Antiseizure medications were successful in controlling the seizures in about two-thirds of the patients. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and/or other neuropsychiatric comorbidities were present in nine patients (40.9%). Nonspecific midline brain anomalies were noted in most patients while focal signal abnormalities in the temporal lobes were noted in three subjects. Genotype-phenotype correlation was performed by also including 50 previously published patients (15 mono- and 35 bi-allelic variants). Overall, GDD (p < 0.0001), epilepsy (p < 0.0001), hyporeflexia (p = 0.012), ASD (p = 0.009), language impairment (p = 0.020) and severe cognitive impairment (p = 0.031) were significantly associated with the presence of biallelic versus monoallelic variants. We have defined the main features associated with biallelic CNTNAP2 variants, as severe cognitive impairment, epilepsy and behavioral abnormalities. We propose CASPR2-deficiency neurodevelopmental disorder as an exclusively recessive disease while the contribution of heterozygous variants is less likely to follow an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca D'Onofrio
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Accogli
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Specialized Medicine, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Montreal, Canada
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Haluk Caliskan
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria
| | - Tomislav Kokotović
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Antonela Blazekovic
- Department for Functional Genomics, Center for Translational and Clinical Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Kristina Gotovac Jercic
- Department for Functional Genomics, Center for Translational and Clinical Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Silvana Markovic
- Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital dr. Tomislav Bardek Koprivnica, Koprivnica, Croatia
| | - Tamara Zigman
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb and University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Krnjak Goran
- Department of Pediatrics, Varazdin General Hospital, Varazdin, Croatia
| | - Nina Barišić
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb and University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vlasta Duranovic
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Zagre, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ana Ban
- Division of Neuropediatrics, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Zagre, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Fran Borovecki
- Department for Functional Genomics, Center for Translational and Clinical Research, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb University Hospital Center, Zagreb, Croatia
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Center Zagreb, University of Zagreb School of Medicine, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Danijela Petković Ramadža
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb and University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ivo Barić
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital Center Zagreb and University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Walid Fazeli
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Herkenrath
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Carla Marini
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit Children's Hospital "G. Salesi" Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria delle Marche Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Roberta Vittorini
- Department of Pediatrics, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Vykuntaraju Gowda
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health, Bangalore, India
| | - Arjan Bouman
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Clarissa Rocca
- Department of Neuromuscular Disorders, UCL Institute of Neurology, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Issam Azmi Alkhawaja
- Pediatric Neurology Unit, Pediatric Department, Albashir Hospital, Amman, Jordan
| | - Bibi Nazia Murtaza
- Department of Zoology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Malik Mujaddad Ur Rehman
- Department of Microbiology, Abbottabad University of Science and Technology KP, Abbottabad, Pakistan
| | - Chadi Al Alam
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Gisele Nader
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Maria Margherita Mancardi
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Surgical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Epilepsy Center, EPICARE Reference Network, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Thea Giacomini
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry, Department of Clinical and Surgical Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Epilepsy Center, EPICARE Reference Network, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Siddharth Srivastava
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Javeria Raza Alvi
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Institute of Child Health, Children's Hospital Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Hoda Tomoum
- Department of Pediatrics, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sara Matricardi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Michele Iacomino
- Unit of Medical Genetics-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonella Riva
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marcello Scala
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Madia
- Unit of Medical Genetics-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Angela Pistorio
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Salpietro
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carlo Minetti
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Jean-Baptiste Rivière
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3A 1B1, Canada
- Bioinformatics Platform, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC, H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Myriam Srour
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stephanie Efthymiou
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reza Maroofian
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henry Houlden
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja Catherine Vernes
- School of Biology, The University of St Andrews, Fife, UK
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Federico Zara
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Department of Neurosciences Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DiNOGMI), University of Genoa, Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy.
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto "Giannina Gaslini", Via Gerolamo Gaslini 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Vanja Nagy
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases, Vienna, Austria.
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria.
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9
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Cntnap2-dependent molecular networks in autism spectrum disorder revealed through an integrative multi-omics analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:810-821. [PMID: 36253443 PMCID: PMC9908544 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01822-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a major neurodevelopmental disorder in which patients present with core symptoms of social communication impairment, restricted interest, and repetitive behaviors. Although various studies have been performed to identify ASD-related mechanisms, ASD pathology is still poorly understood. CNTNAP2 genetic variants have been found that represent ASD genetic risk factors, and disruption of Cntnap2 expression has been associated with ASD phenotypes in mice. In this study, we performed an integrative multi-omics analysis by combining quantitative proteometabolomic data obtained with Cntnap2 knockout (KO) mice with multi-omics data obtained from ASD patients and forebrain organoids to elucidate Cntnap2-dependent molecular networks in ASD. To this end, a mass spectrometry-based proteometabolomic analysis of the medial prefrontal cortex in Cntnap2 KO mice led to the identification of Cntnap2-associated molecular features, and these features were assessed in combination with multi-omics data obtained on the prefrontal cortex in ASD patients to identify bona fide ASD cellular processes. Furthermore, a reanalysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data obtained from forebrain organoids derived from patients with CNTNAP2-associated ASD revealed that the aforementioned identified ASD processes were mainly linked to excitatory neurons. On the basis of these data, we constructed Cntnap2-associated ASD network models showing mitochondrial dysfunction, axonal impairment, and synaptic activity. Our results may shed light on the Cntnap2-dependent molecular networks in ASD.
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Genetics of autism spectrum disorder: an umbrella review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:249. [PMID: 35705542 PMCID: PMC9200752 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02009-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a class of neurodevelopmental conditions with a large epidemiological and societal impact worldwide. To date, numerous studies have investigated the associations between genetic variants and ASD risk. To provide a robust synthesis of published evidence of candidate gene studies for ASD, we performed an umbrella review (UR) of meta-analyses of genetic studies for ASD (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021221868). We systematically searched eight English and Chinese databases from inception to March 31, 2022. Reviewing of eligibility, data extraction, and quality assessment were performed by two authors. In total, 28 of 5062 retrieved articles were analyzed, which investigated a combined 41 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of nine candidate genes. Overall, 12 significant SNPs of CNTNAP2, MTHFR, OXTR, SLC25A12, and VDR were identified, of which associations with suggestive evidence included the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR (under allelic, dominant, and heterozygote models) and the rs731236 polymorphism of VDR (under allelic and homozygote models). Associations with weak evidence included the rs2710102 polymorphism of CNTNAP2 (under allelic, homozygote, and recessive models), the rs7794745 polymorphism of CNTNAP2 (under dominant and heterozygote models), the C677T polymorphism of MTHFR (under homozygote model), and the rs731236 polymorphism of VDR (under dominant and recessive models). Our UR summarizes research evidence on the genetics of ASD and provides a broad and detailed overview of risk genes for ASD. The rs2710102 and rs7794745 polymorphisms of CNTNAP2, C677T polymorphism of MTHFR, and rs731236 polymorphism of VDR may confer ASD risks. This study will provide clinicians and healthcare decision-makers with evidence-based information about the most salient candidate genes relevant to ASD and recommendations for future treatment, prevention, and research.
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11
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Altered Blood Brain Barrier Permeability and Oxidative Stress in Cntnap2 Knockout Rat Model. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102725. [PMID: 35628852 PMCID: PMC9146766 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by three core symptoms, specifically impaired social behavior, stereotypic/repetitive behaviors, and sensory/communication deficits. Although the exact pathophysiology of ASD is still unknown, host genetics, oxidative stress, and compromised blood brain barrier (BBB) have been implicated in predisposition to ASD. With regards to genetics, mutations in the genes such as CNTNAP2 have been associated with increased susceptibility of developing ASD. Although some studies observed conflicting results suggesting no association of CNTNAP2 with ASD, other investigations correlated this gene with autism. In addition, CNTNAP2 mediated signaling is generally considered to play a role in neurological disorders due to its critical role in neurodevelopment, neurotransmission, and synaptic plasticity. In this investigation, we studied BBB integrity and oxidative stress in Cntnap2−/− rats. We observed that the BBB permeability was significantly increased in Cntnap2−/− rats compared to littermate wild-type (WT) animals as determined by FITC-dextran and Evans blue assay. High levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and lower amounts of reduced glutathione were observed in brain homogenates of Cntnap2−/− rats, suggesting oxidative stress. Brain sections from Cntnap2−/− rats showed intense inducible nitric oxide synthase immunostaining, which was undetectable in WT animals. Quantification of nitric oxide in brain homogenates revealed significantly high levels in Cntnap2−/− rats compared to the control group. As increased permeability of the BBB and oxidative stress have been observed in ASD individuals, our results suggest that Cntnap2−/− rats have a high construct and face validity and can be explored to develop effective therapeutic modalities.
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12
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Combined aCGH and Exome Sequencing Analysis Improves Autism Spectrum Disorders Diagnosis: A Case Report. Medicina (B Aires) 2022; 58:medicina58040522. [PMID: 35454361 PMCID: PMC9030270 DOI: 10.3390/medicina58040522] [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: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The development and standardization of genome-wide technologies able to carry out high-resolution, genomic analyses in a cost- and time-affordable way is increasing our knowledge regarding the molecular bases of complex diseases like autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD is a group of heterogeneous diseases with multifactorial origins. Genetic factors seem to be involved, albeit they remain still largely unknown. Here, we report the case of a child with a clinical suspicion of ASD investigated by using such a genomic high-resolution approach. Materials and Methods: Both array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) and exome sequencing were carried out on the family trio. aCGH was performed using the 4 × 180 K SurePrint G3 Human CGH Microarray, while the Human All Exon V7 targeted SureSelect XT HS panel was used for exome sequencing. Results: aCGH identified a paternally inherited duplication of chromosome 7 involving the CNTNAP2 gene, while 5 potentially clinically-relevant variants were identified by exome sequencing. Conclusions: Within the identified genomic alterations, the CNTNAP2 gene duplication may be related to the patient’s phenotype. Indeed, this gene has already been associated with brain development and cognitive functions, including language. The paternal origin of the alteration cannot exclude an incomplete penetrance. Moreover, other genomic factors may act as phenotype modifiers combined with CNTNAP2 gene duplication. Thus, the case reported herein strongly reinforces the need to use extensive genomic analyses to shed light on the bases of complex diseases.
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13
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Terashima H, Minatohara K, Maruoka H, Okabe S. Imaging neural circuit pathology of autism spectrum disorders: autism-associated genes, animal models and the application of in vivo two-photon imaging. Microscopy (Oxf) 2022; 71:i81-i99. [DOI: 10.1093/jmicro/dfab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Recent advances in human genetics identified genetic variants involved in causing autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). Mouse models that mimic mutations found in patients with ASD exhibit behavioral phenotypes consistent with ASD symptoms. These mouse models suggest critical biological factors of ASD etiology. Another important implication of ASD genetics is the enrichment of ASD risk genes in molecules involved in developing synapses and regulating neural circuit function. Sophisticated in vivo imaging technologies applied to ASD mouse models identify common synaptic impairments in the neocortex, with genetic-mutation-specific defects in local neural circuits. In this article, we review synapse- and circuit-level phenotypes identified by in vivo two-photon imaging in multiple mouse models of ASD and discuss the contributions of altered synapse properties and neural circuit activity to ASD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Terashima
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Minatohara
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Hisato Maruoka
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Shigeo Okabe
- Department of Cellular Neurobiology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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14
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Papale LA, Madrid A, Zhang Q, Chen K, Sak L, Keleş S, Alisch RS. Gene by environment interaction mouse model reveals a functional role for 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in neurodevelopmental disorders. Genome Res 2022; 32:266-279. [PMID: 34949667 PMCID: PMC8805724 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276137.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mouse knockouts of Cntnap2 show altered neurodevelopmental behavior, deficits in striatal GABAergic signaling, and a genome-wide disruption of an environmentally sensitive DNA methylation modification (5-hydroxymethylcytosine [5hmC]) in the orthologs of a significant number of genes implicated in human neurodevelopmental disorders. We tested adult Cntnap2 heterozygous mice (Cntnap2 +/-; lacking behavioral or neuropathological abnormalities) subjected to a prenatal stress and found that prenatally stressed Cntnap2 +/- female mice show repetitive behaviors and altered sociability, similar to the homozygote phenotype. Genomic profiling revealed disruptions in hippocampal and striatal 5hmC levels that are correlated to altered transcript levels of genes linked to these phenotypes (e.g., Reln, Dst, Trio, and Epha5). Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with high-throughput sequencing and hippocampal nuclear lysate pull-down data indicated that 5hmC abundance alters the binding of the transcription factor CLOCK near the promoters of these genes (e.g., Palld, Gigyf1, and Fry), providing a mechanistic role for 5hmC in gene regulation. Together, these data support gene-by-environment hypotheses for the origins of mental illness and provide a means to identify the elusive factors contributing to complex human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ligia A Papale
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
| | - Andy Madrid
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
- Neuroscience Training Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Department Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Hampshire, Durham, New Hampshire 03824, USA
| | - Kailei Chen
- Department of Statistics, Biostatistics, and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
| | - Lara Sak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
| | - Sündüz Keleş
- Department of Statistics, Biostatistics, and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
| | - Reid S Alisch
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53719, USA
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15
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Sheppard K, Gardin J, Sabnis GS, Peer A, Darrell M, Deats S, Geuther B, Lutz CM, Kumar V. Stride-level analysis of mouse open field behavior using deep-learning-based pose estimation. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110231. [PMID: 35021077 PMCID: PMC8796662 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gait and posture are often perturbed in many neurological, neuromuscular, and neuropsychiatric conditions. Rodents provide a tractable model for elucidating disease mechanisms and interventions. Here, we develop a neural-network-based assay that adopts the commonly used open field apparatus for mouse gait and posture analysis. We quantitate both with high precision across 62 strains of mice. We characterize four mutants with known gait deficits and demonstrate that multiple autism spectrum disorder (ASD) models show gait and posture deficits, implying this is a general feature of ASD. Mouse gait and posture measures are highly heritable and fall into three distinct classes. We conduct a genome-wide association study to define the genetic architecture of stride-level mouse movement in the open field. We provide a method for gait and posture extraction from the open field and one of the largest laboratory mouse gait and posture data resources for the research community. Sheppard et al. present a method for gait and posture analysis in the common open field apparatus using neural-network-based pose estimation. They apply this high-throughput method to dissect the genetic architecture of mouse movement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith Sheppard
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Justin Gardin
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Gautam S Sabnis
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Asaf Peer
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Megan Darrell
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Sean Deats
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Brian Geuther
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Cathleen M Lutz
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Vivek Kumar
- The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA.
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16
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Scala M, Anijs M, Battini R, Madia F, Capra V, Scudieri P, Verrotti A, Zara F, Minetti C, Vernes SC, Striano P. Hyperkinetic stereotyped movements in a boy with biallelic CNTNAP2 variants. Ital J Pediatr 2021; 47:208. [PMID: 34641913 PMCID: PMC8507175 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-021-01162-w] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heterozygous variants in CNTNAP2 have been implicated in a wide range of neurological phenotypes, including intellectual disability (ID), epilepsy, autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), and impaired language. However, heterozygous variants can also be found in unaffected individuals. Biallelic CNTNAP2 variants are rarer and cause a well-defined genetic syndrome known as CASPR2 deficiency disorder, a condition characterised by ID, early-onset refractory epilepsy, language impairment, and autistic features. Case-report A 7-year-old boy presented with hyperkinetic stereotyped movements that started during early infancy and persisted over childhood. Abnormal movements consisted of rhythmic and repetitive shaking of the four limbs, with evident stereotypic features. Additional clinical features included ID, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), ASD, and speech impairment, consistent with CASPR2 deficiency disorder. Whole-genome array comparative genomic hybridization detected a maternally inherited 0.402 Mb duplication, which involved intron 1, exon 2, and intron 2 of CNTNAP2 (c.97 +?_209-?dup). The affected region in intron 1 contains a binding site for the transcription factor FOXP2, potentially leading to abnormal CNTNAP2 expression regulation. Sanger sequencing of the coding region of CNTNAP2 also identified a paternally-inherited missense variant c.2752C > T, p.(Leu918Phe). Conclusion This case expands the molecular and phenotypic spectrum of CASPR2 deficiency disorder, suggesting that Hyperkinetic stereotyped movements may be a rare, yet significant, clinical feature of this complex neurological disorder. Furthermore, the identification of an in-frame, largely non-coding duplication in CNTNAP2 points to a sophisticated underlying molecular mechanism, likely involving impaired FOXP2 binding. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13052-021-01162-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcello Scala
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Midas Anijs
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.,IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Madia
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valeria Capra
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Scudieri
- Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Federico Zara
- Medical Genetic Unit, IRCSS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carlo Minetti
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. .,School of Biology, University of St Andrews, Fife, UK. .,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy. .,Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
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17
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den Hoed J, Devaraju K, Fisher SE. Molecular networks of the FOXP2 transcription factor in the brain. EMBO Rep 2021; 22:e52803. [PMID: 34260143 PMCID: PMC8339667 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202152803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of the FOXP2 transcription factor, and its implication in a rare severe human speech and language disorder, has led to two decades of empirical studies focused on uncovering its roles in the brain using a range of in vitro and in vivo methods. Here, we discuss what we have learned about the regulation of FOXP2, its downstream effectors, and its modes of action as a transcription factor in brain development and function, providing an integrated overview of what is currently known about the critical molecular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joery den Hoed
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- International Max Planck Research School for Language SciencesMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Karthikeyan Devaraju
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics DepartmentMax Planck Institute for PsycholinguisticsNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and BehaviourRadboud UniversityNijmegenThe Netherlands
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18
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Choi L, An JY. Genetic architecture of autism spectrum disorder: Lessons from large-scale genomic studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 128:244-257. [PMID: 34166716 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic component. Recently developed genomic technologies, including microarray and next-generation sequencing (NGS), have enabled researchers to genetic analyses aimed at identifying genetic variations associated with ASD and to elucidate the genetic architecture of the disorder. Large-scale microarray, exome sequencing analyses, and robust statistical methods have resulted in successful gene discovery and identification of high-confidence ASD genes from among de novo and inherited variants. Efforts have been made to understand the genetic architecture of ASD using whole-genome sequencing and genome-wide association studies aimed at identifying noncoding mutations and common variants associated with ASD. In addition, the development of systems biology approaches has resulted in the integration of genetic findings with functional genomic datasets, thereby providing a unique insight into the functional convergence of ASD risk genes and their neurobiology. In this review, we summarize the latest findings of ASD genetic studies involving large cohorts and discuss their implications in ASD neurobiology and in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leejee Choi
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon-Yong An
- School of Biosystem and Biomedical Science, College of Health Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrated Biomedical and Life Science, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; Transdisciplinary Major in Learning Health Systems, Department of Healthcare Sciences, Graduate School, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; BK21FOUR R&E Center for Learning Health Systems, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Chien YL, Chen YC, Gau SSF. Altered cingulate structures and the associations with social awareness deficits and CNTNAP2 gene in autism spectrum disorder. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2021; 31:102729. [PMID: 34271514 PMCID: PMC8280509 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
ASD individuals showed thinner cortical thickness in bilateral cingulate subregions. The right anterior cingulate WM volume was correlated with social awareness deficit. The CNTNAP2 variant might be associated with the right middle cingulate WM volume. The CNTNAP2 might interact with ASD diagnosis and age on the cortical thickness.
Backgrounds Although evidence suggests that the activity of the anterior cingulate cortex involves social cognition, there are inconsistent findings regarding the aberrant cingulate gray matter (GM) and scanty evidence about altered cortical thickness and white matter (WM) of cingulate in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Evidence supports the association between the genetic variants of CNTNAP2 and altered brain connectivity. This study investigated the cingulate substructure and its association with social awareness deficits and the CNTNAP2 variants in individuals with ASD and typically-developing controls (TDC). Methods We assessed 118 individuals with ASD and 122 TDC with MRI and clinical evaluation. The GM, WM volumes and cortical thickness of the cingulate gyrus were compared between ASD and TDC based on fine parcellation. Five SNPs of the CNTNAP2 linked to ASD and brain structural abnormality were genotyped, and rs2710102, rs2538991, rs2710126 passed quality control filters. Results ASD individuals showed thinner cortical thickness in bilateral cingulate subregions than TDC without significant group differences in GM and WM volumes. The WM volume of the right anterior cingulate gyrus was correlated with social awareness deficits in ASD. The CNTNAP2 variant demonstrated a main effect on the WM volumes of the right middle cingulate gyrus. Besides, the CNTNAP2 variants interacted with ASD diagnosis and age on the cortical thickness of the left anterior middle cingulate cortex. Conclusions Our findings suggest that aberrant cingulate structure in ASD might be associated with the social awareness deficits and genetic variants of the CNTNAP2. These novel findings need validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ling Chien
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chieh Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Susan Shur-Fen Gau
- Department of Psychiatry, National Taiwan University Hospital and College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Brain and Mind Sciences, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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20
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CNTNAP2 gene polymorphisms in autism spectrum disorder and language impairment among Bangladeshi children: a case-control study combined with a meta-analysis. Hum Cell 2021; 34:1410-1423. [PMID: 33950402 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-021-00546-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication deficits, impaired social interactions, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors with restricted interests, and connected with the interaction between environmental factors and genetic vulnerability. CNTNAP2 gene has been extensively investigated for ASD and related neurodevelopment diseases. However, previous studies have resulted in an inconsistent outcome. Based on this fact, we conducted a case-control study followed by a meta-analysis to investigate the association of rs7794745 and rs2710102 polymorphisms with ASD. A total of 216 autistic children and 240 healthy volunteers were recruited, and genotyping was performed using the PCR-RFLP method. We observed that SNP rs7794745 revealed a significantly (p < 0.05) increased association with the development of ASD in children in all genetic models. No significant association was found for rs2710102 with ASD. Besides, rs2710102 exhibited a significant association with language impairment in TC genotype, C allele, and dominant model. From the meta-analysis of both SNPs, we found a significant association in codominant 1, 2, and the dominant model of rs2710102 and codominant 1 and dominant model of rs7794745 with ASD. Our case-control study suggests that rs7794745 polymorphism is associated with ASD, while rs2710102 is correlated with language impairment. Moreover, meta-analysis results indicated the association between both rs7794745 and rs2710102 polymorphisms and ASD.
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21
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Agarwala S, Ramachandra NB. Role of CNTNAP2 in autism manifestation outlines the regulation of signaling between neurons at the synapse. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL HUMAN GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.1186/s43042-021-00138-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Autism is characterized by high heritability and a complex genetic mutational landscape with restricted social behavior and impaired social communication. Whole-exome sequencing is a reliable tool to pinpoint variants for unraveling the disease pathophysiology. The present meta-analysis was performed using 222 whole-exome sequences deposited by Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) at the European Nucleotide Archive. This sample cohort was used to identify causal mutations in autism-specific genes to create a mutational landscape focusing on the CNTNAP2 gene.
Results
The authors account for the identification of 15 high confidence genes with 24 variants for autism with Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI) gene scoring. These genes encompass critical autism pathways such as neuron development, synapse complexity, cytoskeleton, and microtubule activation. Among these 15 genes, overlapping variants were present across multiple samples: KMT2C in 167 cases, CNTNAP2 in 192 samples, CACNA1C in 152 cases, and SHANK3 in 124 cases. Pathway analysis identifies clustering and interplay of autism genes—WDFY3, SHANK2, CNTNAP2, HOMER1, SYNGAP1, and ANK2 with CNTNAP2. These genes coincide across autism-relevant pathways, namely abnormal social behavior and intellectual and cognitive impairment. Based on multiple layers of selection criteria, CNTNAP2 was chosen as the master gene for the study. It is an essential gene for autism with speech-language delays, a typical phenotype in most cases under study. It showcases nine variants across multiple samples with one damaging variant, T589P, with a GERP rank score range of 0.065–0.95. This unique variant was present across 86.5% of the samples impairing the epithelial growth factor (EGF) domain. Established microRNA (miRNA) genes hsa-mir-548aq and hsa-mir-548f were mutated within the CNTNAP2 region, adding to the severity. The mutated protein showed reduced stability by 0.25, increased solvent accessibility by 9%, and reduced depth by 0.2, which rendered the protein non-functional. Secondary physical interactors of CNTNAP2 through CNTN2 proteins were mutated in the samples, further intensifying the severity.
Conclusion
CNTNAP2 has been identified as a master gene in autism manifestation responsible for speech-language delay by impairing the EGF protein domain and downstream cascade. The decrease in EGF is correlated with vital autism symptoms, especially language disabilities.
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22
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Dong F, Mao J, Chen M, Yoon J, Mao Y. Schizophrenia risk ZNF804A interacts with its associated proteins to modulate dendritic morphology and synaptic development. Mol Brain 2021; 14:12. [PMID: 33446247 PMCID: PMC7809827 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-021-00729-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) is a devastating brain disease that affects about 1% of world population. Among the top genetic associations, zinc finger protein 804A (ZNF804A) gene encodes a zinc finger protein, associated with SZ and biolar disorder (BD). Copy number variants (CNVs) of ZNF804A have been observed in patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), anxiety disorder, and BD, suggesting that ZNF804A is a dosage sensitive gene for brain development. However, its molecular functions have not been fully determined. Our previous interactomic study revealed that ZNF804A interacts with multiple proteins to control protein translation and neural development. ZNF804A is localized in the cytoplasm and neurites in the human cortex and is expressed in various types of neurons, including pyramidal, dopaminergic, GABAergic, and Purkinje neurons in mouse brain. To further examine the effect of gene dosage of ZNF804A on neurite morphology, both knockdown and overexpression of ZNF804A in primary neuronal cells significantly attenuate dendritic complex and spine formation. To determine the factors mediating these phenotypes, interestingly, three binding proteins of ZNF804A, galectin 1 (LGALS1), fasciculation and elongation protein zeta 1 (FEZ1) and ribosomal protein SA (RPSA), show different effects on reversing the deficits. LGALS1 and FEZ1 stimulate neurite outgrowth at basal level but RPSA shows no effect. Intriguingly, LGALS1 but not FEZ1, reverses the neurite outgrowth deficits induced by ZNF804A knockdown. However, FEZ1 and RPSA but not LGALS1, can ameliorate ZNF804A overexpression-mediated dendritic abnormalities. Thus, our results uncover a critical post-mitotic role of ZNF804A in neurite and synaptic development relevant to neurodevelopmental pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengping Dong
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 214 Life Sciences Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Joseph Mao
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 214 Life Sciences Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Miranda Chen
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 214 Life Sciences Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Joy Yoon
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 214 Life Sciences Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Yingwei Mao
- Department of Biology, Pennsylvania State University, 214 Life Sciences Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Basilico B, Morandell J, Novarino G. Molecular mechanisms for targeted ASD treatments. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2020; 65:126-137. [PMID: 32659636 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2020.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The possibility to generate construct valid animal models enabled the development and testing of therapeutic strategies targeting the core features of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). At the same time, these studies highlighted the necessity of identifying sensitive developmental time windows for successful therapeutic interventions. Animal and human studies also uncovered the possibility to stratify the variety of ASDs in molecularly distinct subgroups, potentially facilitating effective treatment design. Here, we focus on the molecular pathways emerging as commonly affected by mutations in diverse ASD-risk genes, on their role during critical windows of brain development and the potential treatments targeting these biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jasmin Morandell
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Gaia Novarino
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, Klosterneuburg, Austria.
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24
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Beiranvandi F, Akouchekian M, Javadi GR, Darvish H. The association of CNTNAP2 rs2710102 and ENGRAILED-2 rs1861972 genes polymorphism and autism in Iranian population. Meta Gene 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2020.100664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
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25
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Paduano F, Colao E, Loddo S, Orlando V, Trapasso F, Novelli A, Perrotti N, Iuliano R. 7q35 Microdeletion and 15q13.3 and Xp22.33 Microduplications in a Patient with Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy, Microcephaly, Dysmorphisms, Severe Psychomotor Delay and Intellectual Disability. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050525. [PMID: 32397165 PMCID: PMC7288449 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variations (CNVs) play a key role in the pathogenesis of several diseases, including a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders. Here, we describe the detection of three CNVs simultaneously in a female patient with evidence of severe myoclonic epilepsy, microcephaly, hypertelorism, dimorphisms as well as severe psychomotor delay and intellectual disability. Array-CGH analysis revealed a ~240 kb microdeletion at the 7q35 inherited from her father, a ∼538 kb microduplication at the 15q13.3 region and a ∼178 kb microduplication at Xp22.33 region, both transmitted from her mother. The microdeletion in 7q35 was included within an intragenic region of the contactin associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene, whereas the microduplications at 15q13.3 and Xp22.33 involved the cholinergic receptor nicotinic α 7 subunit (CHRNA7) and the cytokine receptor-like factor 2 (CRLF2) genes, respectively. Here, we describe a female patient harbouring three CNVs whose additive contribution could be responsible for her clinical phenotypes.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 15/ultrastructure
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 7/ultrastructure
- Chromosomes, Human, X/genetics
- Chromosomes, Human, X/ultrastructure
- Consanguinity
- DNA Copy Number Variations
- Epilepsies, Myoclonic/genetics
- Female
- Gene Duplication
- Genetic Association Studies
- Humans
- Membrane Proteins/genetics
- Microcephaly/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders/genetics
- Pedigree
- Receptors, Cytokine/genetics
- Sequence Deletion
- Tissue Array Analysis
- alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Paduano
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
- Tecnologica Research Institute and Marrelli Health, Biomedical Section, Stem Cells Unit, 88900 Crotone, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Viale Europa, Località Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emma Colao
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
| | - Sara Loddo
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.L.); (V.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Valeria Orlando
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.L.); (V.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Francesco Trapasso
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Campus S. Venuta, Viale Europa, Località Germaneto, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Novelli
- Medical Genetics Laboratory, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (S.L.); (V.O.); (A.N.)
| | - Nicola Perrotti
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Iuliano
- Medical Genetics Unit, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (F.P.); (E.C.); (F.T.); (N.P.)
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
- Correspondence:
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26
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Bacchelli E, Cameli C, Viggiano M, Igliozzi R, Mancini A, Tancredi R, Battaglia A, Maestrini E. An integrated analysis of rare CNV and exome variation in Autism Spectrum Disorder using the Infinium PsychArray. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3198. [PMID: 32081867 PMCID: PMC7035424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-59922-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with a complex and heterogeneous genetic etiology. While a proportion of ASD risk is attributable to common variants, rare copy-number variants (CNVs) and protein-disrupting single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) have been shown to significantly contribute to ASD etiology. We analyzed a homogeneous cohort of 127 ASD Italian families genotyped with the Illumina PsychArray, to perform an integrated analysis of CNVs and SNVs and to assess their contribution to ASD risk. We observed a higher burden of rare CNVs, especially deletions, in ASD individuals versus unaffected controls. Furthermore, we identified a significant enrichment of rare CNVs intersecting ASD candidate genes reported in the SFARI database. Family-based analysis of rare SNVs genotyped by the PsychArray also indicated an increased transmission of rare SNV variants from heterozygous parents to probands, supporting a multigenic model of ASD risk with significant contributions of both variant types. Moreover, our study reinforced the evidence for a significant role of VPS13B, WWOX, CNTNAP2, RBFOX1, MACROD2, APBA2, PARK2, GPHN, and RNF113A genes in ASD susceptibility. Finally, we showed that the PsychArray, besides providing useful genotyping data in psychiatric disorders, is a valuable and cost-efficient tool for genic CNV detection, down to 10 kb.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Bacchelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Cinzia Cameli
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Viggiano
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Igliozzi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alice Mancini
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Tancredi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Agatino Battaglia
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Viale del Tirreno 331, 56128, Calambrone, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elena Maestrini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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27
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Falsaperla R, Pappalardo XG, Romano C, Marino SD, Corsello G, Ruggieri M, Parano E, Pavone P. Intronic Variant in CNTNAP2 Gene in a Boy With Remarkable Conduct Disorder, Minor Facial Features, Mild Intellectual Disability, and Seizures. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:550. [PMID: 33042910 PMCID: PMC7518065 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Mutations in the contactin-associated protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) gene (MIM#604569) encoding for CASPR2, a cell adhesion protein of the neurexin family, are known to be associated with autism, intellectual disability, and other neuropsychiatric disorders. A set of intronic deletions of CNTNAP2 gene has also been suggested to have a causative role in individuals with a wide phenotypic spectrum, including Pitt-Hopkins syndrome, cortical dysplasia-focal epilepsy syndrome, Tourette syndrome, language dysfunction, and abnormal behavioral manifestations. Case presentation: A 10-years-old boy was referred to the hospital with mild intellectual disability and language impairment. Moreover, the child exhibited minor facial features, epileptic seizures, and notable behavioral abnormalities including impulsivity, aggressivity, and hyperactivity suggestive of the diagnosis of disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorder (CD). Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) revealed a copy number variant (CNV) deletion in the first intron of CNTNAP2 gene inherited from a healthy father. Conclusions: A comprehensive description of the phenotypic features of the child is provided, revealing a distinct and remarkable alteration of social behavior not previously reported in individuals affected by disorders related to CNTNAP2 gene disruptions. A possible causative link between the deletion of a non-coding regulatory region and the symptoms presented by the boy has been advanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Falsaperla
- Unit of Neonatology, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, " Catania, Italy
| | - Xena Giada Pappalardo
- National Council of Research, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Catania, Italy.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences (BIOMETEC), University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Catia Romano
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, " Catania, Italy
| | - Simona Domenica Marino
- Unit of Neonatology, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, " Catania, Italy
| | - Giovanni Corsello
- Department of Sciences for Health Promotion and Mother and Child Care "G. D'Alessandro, " University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Martino Ruggieri
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, " Catania, Italy
| | - Enrico Parano
- National Council of Research, Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), Catania, Italy
| | - Piero Pavone
- Unit of Pediatrics and Pediatric Emergency, University Hospital "Policlinico-Vittorio Emanuele, " Catania, Italy
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