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Leone R, Zuglian C, Brambilla R, Morella I. Understanding copy number variations through their genes: a molecular view on 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1407865. [PMID: 38948459 PMCID: PMC11211608 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1407865] [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: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) include a broad spectrum of pathological conditions that affect >4% of children worldwide, share common features and present a variegated genetic origin. They include clinically defined diseases, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), motor disorders such as Tics and Tourette's syndromes, but also much more heterogeneous conditions like intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy. Schizophrenia (SCZ) has also recently been proposed to belong to NDDs. Relatively common causes of NDDs are copy number variations (CNVs), characterised by the gain or the loss of a portion of a chromosome. In this review, we focus on deletions and duplications at the 16p11.2 chromosomal region, associated with NDDs, ID, ASD but also epilepsy and SCZ. Some of the core phenotypes presented by human carriers could be recapitulated in animal and cellular models, which also highlighted prominent neurophysiological and signalling alterations underpinning 16p11.2 CNVs-associated phenotypes. In this review, we also provide an overview of the genes within the 16p11.2 locus, including those with partially known or unknown function as well as non-coding RNAs. A particularly interesting interplay was observed between MVP and MAPK3 in modulating some of the pathological phenotypes associated with the 16p11.2 deletion. Elucidating their role in intracellular signalling and their functional links will be a key step to devise novel therapeutic strategies for 16p11.2 CNVs-related syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Leone
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
| | - Cecilia Zuglian
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Brambilla
- Università di Pavia, Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie “Lazzaro Spallanzani”, Pavia, Italy
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Ilaria Morella
- Cardiff University, School of Biosciences, Neuroscience and Mental Health Innovation Institute, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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2
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Byeon S, Yadav S. Pleiotropic functions of TAO kinases and their dysregulation in neurological disorders. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadg0876. [PMID: 38166033 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg0876] [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: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024]
Abstract
Thousand and one amino acid kinases (TAOKs) are relatively understudied and functionally pleiotropic protein kinases that have emerged as important regulators of neurodevelopment. Through their conserved amino-terminal catalytic domain, TAOKs mediate phosphorylation at serine/threonine residues in their substrates, but it is their divergent regulatory carboxyl-terminal domains that confer both exquisite functional specification and cellular localization. In this Review, we discuss the physiological roles of TAOKs and the intricate signaling pathways, molecular interactions, and cellular behaviors they modulate-from cell stress responses, division, and motility to tissue homeostasis, immunity, and neurodevelopment. These insights are then integrated into an analysis of the known and potential impacts of disease-associated variants of TAOKs, with a focus on neurodevelopmental disorders, pain and addiction, and neurodegenerative diseases. Translating this foundation into clinical benefits for patients will require greater structural and functional differentiation of the TAOKs afforded by their individually specialized domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujin Byeon
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Smita Yadav
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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3
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Lymphocytic Extracellular Signal-Regulated Kinase Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 62:582-592.e2. [PMID: 36638885 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.09.437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) is a conserved central intracellular signaling cascade involved in many aspects of neuronal development and plasticity. Converging evidence support investigation of ERK1/2 activity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We previously reported enhanced baseline lymphocytic ERK1/2 activation in autism, and now we extend our work to investigate the early phase kinetics of lymphocytic ERK1/2 activation in idiopathic ASD. METHOD Study participants included 67 individuals with ASD (3-25 years of age), 65 age- and sex-matched typical developing control (TDC) subjects, and 36 age-, sex-, and IQ-matched developmental disability control (DDC) subjects matched to those with ASD and IQ <90. We completed an additional analysis comparing results from ASD, TDC, and DDC groups with data from 37 individuals with Fragile X syndrome (FXS). All subjects had blood lymphocyte samples analyzed by flow cytometry following stimulation with phorbol ester and sequentially analyzed for ERK1/2 activation (phosphorylation) at several time points. RESULTS The ASD group (mean = 5.81 minutes; SD = 1.5) had a significantly lower (more rapid) mean ERK1/2 T1/2 activation value than both the DDC group (mean = 6.78 minutes; SD = 1.6; p = .00078) and the TDC group (mean = 6.4 minutes; SD = 1.5; p = .025). More rapid ERK1/2 T1/2 activation times did correlate with increased social impairment across all study groups including the ASD cohort. Differences in ERK1/2 T1/2 activation were more pronounced in younger than in older individuals in the primary analysis. The ASD group additionally had more rapid activation times than the FXS group, and the FXS group activation kinetics did not differ from those of the TDC and DDC groups. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that lymphocytic ERK1/2 activation kinetics are dysregulated in persons with ASD, marked by more rapid early phase activation. Group differences in ERK1/2 activation kinetics appear to be driven by findings from the youngest children analyzed. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.
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Yeo XY, Lim YT, Chae WR, Park C, Park H, Jung S. Alterations of presynaptic proteins in autism spectrum disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1062878. [DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1062878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The expanded use of hypothesis-free gene analysis methods in autism research has significantly increased the number of genetic risk factors associated with the pathogenesis of autism. A further examination of the implicated genes directly revealed the involvement in processes pertinent to neuronal differentiation, development, and function, with a predominant contribution from the regulators of synaptic function. Despite the importance of presynaptic function in synaptic transmission, the regulation of neuronal network activity, and the final behavioral output, there is a relative lack of understanding of the presynaptic contribution to the pathology of autism. Here, we will review the close association among autism-related mutations, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) phenotypes, and the altered presynaptic protein functions through a systematic examination of the presynaptic risk genes relating to the critical stages of synaptogenesis and neurotransmission.
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Kather A, Holtbernd F, Brunkhorst R, Hasan D, Markewitz R, Wandinger KP, Wiesmann M, Schulz JB, Tauber SC. Anti-SEZ6L2 antibodies in paraneoplastic cerebellar syndrome: case report and review of the literature. Neurol Res Pract 2022; 4:54. [PMID: 36310162 PMCID: PMC9620611 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-022-00218-4] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Seizure Related 6 Homolog Like 2 (SEZ6L2) protein has been shown to have implications in neuronal and especially motor function development. In oncology, overexpression of SEZ6L2 serves as a negative prognostic marker in several tumor entities. Recently, few cases of anti-SEZ6L2 antibody mediated cerebellar syndromes were reported. In this article, we present a case of a 70-year-old woman with subacute onset of gait disturbance, dysarthria and limb ataxia. Serum anti-SEZ6L2 antibodies were markedly increased, and further diagnostic workup revealed left sided breast cancer. Neurological symptoms and SEZ6L2 titer significantly improved after curative tumor therapy. This is a very rare and educationally important report of anti-SEZ6L2 autoimmune cerebellar syndrome with a paraneoplastic etiology. Additionally, we performed a review of the current literature for SEZ6L2, focusing on comparing the published cases on autoimmune cerebellar syndrome.
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Moufawad El Achkar C, Rosen A, Kessler SK, Steinman KJ, Spence SJ, Ramocki M, Marco EJ, Green Snyder L, Spiro JE, Chung WK, Annapurna P, Sherr EH. Clinical Characteristics of Seizures and Epilepsy in Individuals With Recurrent Deletions and Duplications in the 16p11.2 Region. Neurol Genet 2022; 8:e200018. [PMID: 36531974 PMCID: PMC9756306 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000200018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Deletions and duplications at 16p11.2 (BP4 to BP5; 29.5-30.1 Mb) have been associated with several neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorder, intellectual disability (ID), and schizophrenia. Seizures have also been reported in individuals with these particular copy number variants, but the epilepsy phenotypes have not been well-delineated. We aimed to systematically characterize the seizure types, epilepsy syndromes, and epilepsy severity in a large cohort of individuals with these 16p11.2 deletions and duplications. Methods The cohort of ascertained participants with the recurrent 16p11.2 copy number variant was assembled through the multicenter Simons Variation in Individuals Project. Detailed data on individuals identified as having a history of seizures were obtained using a semistructured phone interview and review of medical records, EEG, and MRI studies obtained clinically or as part of the Simons Variation in Individuals Project. Results Among 129 individuals with the 16p11.2 deletion, 31 (24%) had at least one seizure, including 23 (18%) who met criteria for epilepsy; 42% of them fit the phenotype of classic or atypical Self-limited (Familial) Infantile Epilepsy (Se(F)IE). Among 106 individuals with 16p11.2 duplications, 16 (15%) had at least one seizure, including 11 (10%) who met criteria for epilepsy. The seizure types and epilepsy syndromes were heterogeneous in this group. Most of the individuals in both the deletion and duplication groups had well-controlled seizures with subsequent remission. Pharmacoresistant epilepsy was uncommon. Seizures responded favorably to phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and oxcarbazepine in the deletion group, specifically in the Se(F)IE, and to various antiseizure medications in the duplication group. Discussion These findings delineate the spectrum of seizures and epilepsies in the recurrent 16p11.2 deletions and duplications and provide potential diagnostic, therapeutic, and prognostic information.
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Loid P, Pekkinen M, Mustila T, Tossavainen P, Viljakainen H, Lindstrand A, Mäkitie O. Targeted Exome Sequencing of Genes Involved in Rare CNVs in Early-Onset Severe Obesity. Front Genet 2022; 13:839349. [PMID: 35330733 PMCID: PMC8940233 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.839349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Rare copy number variants (CNVs) have been associated with the development of severe obesity. However, the potential disease-causing contribution of individual genes within the region of CNVs is often not known. Objective: Screening of rare variants in genes involved in CNVs in Finnish patients with severe early-onset obesity to find candidate genes linked to severe obesity. Methods: Custom-made targeted exome sequencing panel to search for rare (minor allele frequency <0.1%) variants in genes affected by previously identified CNVs in 92 subjects (median age 14 years) with early-onset severe obesity (median body mass index (BMI) Z-score + 4.0). Results: We identified thirteen rare heterozygous variants of unknown significance in eleven subjects in twelve of the CNV genes. Two rare missense variants (p.Pro405Arg and p.Tyr232Cys) were found in SORCS1, a gene highly expressed in the brain and previously linked to diabetes risk. Four rare variants were in genes in the proximal 16p11.2 region (a frameshift variant in TAOK2 and missense variants in SEZ6L2, ALDOA and KIF22) and three rare missense variants were in genes in the 22q11.21 region (AIFM3, ARVCF and KLHL22). Conclusion: We report several rare variants in CNV genes in subjects with childhood obesity. However, the role of the individual genes in the previously identified rare CNVs to development of obesity remains uncertain. More studies are needed to understand the potential role of the specific genes within obesity associated CNVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Loid
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Folkhälsan Research Center, Genetics Research Program, Helsinki, Finland.,Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Minna Pekkinen
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Folkhälsan Research Center, Genetics Research Program, Helsinki, Finland.,Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taina Mustila
- City of Turku Wellfare Services, Diabetes Care, Turku, Finland
| | - Päivi Tossavainen
- Department of Pediatrics, PEDEGO Research Unit, Medical Research Center, Oulu University Hospital, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Heli Viljakainen
- Folkhälsan Research Center, Genetics Research Program, Helsinki, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anna Lindstrand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Outi Mäkitie
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland.,Folkhälsan Research Center, Genetics Research Program, Helsinki, Finland.,Research Program for Clinical and Molecular Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Qiu WQ, Luo S, Ma SA, Saminathan P, Li H, Gunnersen JM, Gelbard HA, Hammond JW. The Sez6 Family Inhibits Complement by Facilitating Factor I Cleavage of C3b and Accelerating the Decay of C3 Convertases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:607641. [PMID: 33936031 PMCID: PMC8081827 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.607641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sez6 family consists of Sez6, Sez6L, and Sez6L2. Its members are expressed throughout the brain and have been shown to influence synapse numbers and dendritic morphology. They are also linked to various neurological and psychiatric disorders. All Sez6 family members contain 2-3 CUB domains and 5 complement control protein (CCP) domains, suggesting that they may be involved in complement regulation. We show that Sez6 family members inhibit C3b/iC3b opsonization by the classical and alternative pathways with varying degrees of efficacy. For the classical pathway, Sez6 is a strong inhibitor, Sez6L2 is a moderate inhibitor, and Sez6L is a weak inhibitor. For the alternative pathway, the complement inhibitory activity of Sez6, Sez6L, and Sez6L2 all equaled or exceeded the activity of the known complement regulator MCP. Using Sez6L2 as the representative family member, we show that it specifically accelerates the dissociation of C3 convertases. Sez6L2 also functions as a cofactor for Factor I to facilitate the cleavage of C3b; however, Sez6L2 has no cofactor activity toward C4b. In summary, the Sez6 family are novel complement regulators that inhibit C3 convertases and promote C3b degradation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Q Qiu
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Shaopeiwen Luo
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Stefanie A Ma
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Priyanka Saminathan
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Herman Li
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jenny M Gunnersen
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience and The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Harris A Gelbard
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jennetta W Hammond
- Center for Neurotherapeutics Discovery, Department of Neurology, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, United States
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Shin SH, Wright C, Johnston S. Early Life Experiences Moderate the Relationship Between Genetic Risk of Autism and Current and Lifetime Mental Health. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:772841. [PMID: 34916975 PMCID: PMC8669098 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.772841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Although individuals with autism are at greater risk of mental health challenges than others, we know little about the relationship between the mental health of older adults (50+) and autism because they are less likely to be diagnosed. Identifying the risk and protective factors that are associated with mental health can increase educational awareness, inform clinical practice, and provide information to help diagnose and treat older adults with autism. This study used longitudinal panel data of the 2008-2016 waves of the Health and Retirement Study. It estimated individual random-effect models by interacting a genetic propensity toward autism and early life experiences to test whether the latter has a moderating effect on the relationships between genetics and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) score, self-reported depression, and history of psychiatric problems. Results suggest that individuals with a higher genetic propensity for autism are less likely to develop psychiatric problems if they report a positive maternal relationship early in life. Further, a combined effect of police encounters early in life and genetic risk for autism is associated with higher CES-D scores, increased odds of self-reported depression, and a history of psychiatric problems. Clinical applications of these findings include the need to establish and support high-quality relationships by addressing both child and caregiver needs. Further, these findings support the need to design and implement proactive interventions to teach police and autistic individuals how to successfully navigate these encounters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Su Hyun Shin
- Department of Family & Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Cheryl Wright
- Department of Family & Consumer Studies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Susan Johnston
- Department of Special Education, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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10
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Kim SH, Green-Snyder L, Lord C, Bishop S, Steinman KJ, Bernier R, Hanson E, Goin-Kochel RP, Chung WK. Language characterization in 16p11.2 deletion and duplication syndromes. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2020; 183:380-391. [PMID: 32652891 PMCID: PMC8939307 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Expressive language impairment is one of the most frequently associated clinical features of 16p11.2 copy number variations (CNV). However, our understanding of the language profiles of individuals with 16p11.2 CNVs is still limited. This study builds upon previous work in the Simons Variation in Individuals Project (VIP, now known as Simons Searchlight), to characterize language abilities in 16p11.2 deletion and duplication carriers using comprehensive assessments. Participants included 110 clinically ascertained children and family members (i.e., siblings and cousins) with 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 deletion and 58 with 16p11.2 BP4-BP5 duplication between the ages of 2-23 years, most of whom were verbal. Regression analyses were performed to quantify variation in language abilities in the presence of the 16p11.2 deletion and duplication, both with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cognitive deficit. Difficulties in pragmatic skills were equally prevalent in verbal individuals in both deletion and duplication groups. NVIQ had moderate quantifiable effects on language scores in syntax and semantics/pragmatics (a decrease of less than 1 SD) for both groups. Overall, language impairments persisted even after controlling for ASD diagnosis and cognitive deficit. Language impairment is one of the core clinical features of individuals with 16p11.2 CNVs even in the absence of ASD and cognitive deficit. Results highlight the need for more comprehensive and rigorous assessment of language impairments to maximize outcomes in carriers of 16p11.2 CNVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- So Hyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Cornell Medicine, White Plains, New York, USA
| | | | - Catherine Lord
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Behavior, University of California Los Angeles, California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Somer Bishop
- Department of Psychiatry, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kyle J. Steinman
- Department of Neurology, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children’s Hospital, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Raphael Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Ellen Hanson
- Developmental Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Wendy K. Chung
- Simons Foundation, New York, New York, USA,Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA,Department of Medicine, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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Lynch JF, Ferri SL, Angelakos C, Schoch H, Nickl-Jockschat T, Gonzalez A, O'Brien WT, Abel T. Comprehensive Behavioral Phenotyping of a 16p11.2 Del Mouse Model for Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Autism Res 2020; 13:1670-1684. [PMID: 32857907 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The microdeletion of copy number variant 16p11.2 is one of the most common genetic mutations associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs). Here, we describe our comprehensive behavioral phenotyping of the 16p11.2 deletion line developed by Alea Mills on a C57BL/6J and 129S1/SvImJ F1 background (Delm ). Male and female Delm mice were tested in developmental milestones as preweanlings (PND2-PND12), and were tested in open field activity, elevated zero maze, rotarod, novel object recognition, fear conditioning, social approach, and other measures during post-weaning (PND21), adolescence (PND42), and adulthood (>PND70). Developmentally, Delm mice show distinct weight reduction that persists into adulthood. Delm males also have reduced grasp reflexes and limb strength during development, but no other reflexive deficits whereas Delm females show limb strength deficits and decreased sensitivity to heat. In a modified version of a rotarod task that measures balance and coordinated motor activity, Delm males, but not females, show improved performance at high speeds. Delm males and females also show age-specific reductions in anxiety-like behavior compared with WTs, but neither sex show deficits in a social preference task. When assessing learning and memory, Delm males and females show age-specific impairments in a novel object or spatial object recognition, but no deficits in contextual fear memory. This work extends the understanding of the behavioral phenotypes seen with 16p11.2 deletion by emphasizing age and sex-specific deficits; important variables to consider when studying mouse models for neurodevelopmental disorders. LAY SUMMARY: Autism spectrum disorder is a common neurodevelopmental disorder that causes repetitive behavior and impairments in social interaction and communication. Here, we assess the effects of one of the most common genetic alterations in ASDs, a deletion of one copy of 29 genes, using a mouse model. These animals show differences in behavior between males and females and across ages compared with control animals, including changes in development, cognition, and motor coordination. Autism Res 2020, 13: 1670-1684. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph F Lynch
- Department of Psychology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sarah L Ferri
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Christopher Angelakos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Hannah Schoch
- Eison S. Floyd College of Medicine, Washington State University Spokane, Spokane, Washington, USA
| | - Thomas Nickl-Jockschat
- Department of Psychiatry, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Arnold Gonzalez
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Ted Abel
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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12
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An N, Zhao Y, Lan H, Zhang M, Yin Y, Yi C. SEZ6L2 knockdown impairs tumour growth by promoting caspase-dependent apoptosis in colorectal cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:4223-4232. [PMID: 32105413 PMCID: PMC7171412 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Seizure‐related 6 homolog (mouse)‐like 2 (SEZ6L2) was shown to be involved in transcription of a type 1 transmembrane protein for regulating cell fate. Until now, the expression and function of SEZ6L2 in various cancers, including colorectal cancer (CRC), were unclear. In the present study, we determined the expression of SEZ6L2 in a tissue microarray from patients with CRC and then, analysed the correlation between SEZ6L2 expression and the prognosis of the patients. Furthermore, the potential function of SEZ6L2 in CRC was determined using cell counting kit, colony formation assay and xenograft model in vitro and in vivo. Flow cytometry, Western blotting, immunohistochemical staining and a blocking experiment were employed to investigate the underlying mechanism of SEZ6L2 regulating CRC growth. Our results indicated that SEZ6L2 was significantly up‐regulated in tumour tissues of patients with CRC compared with adjacent normal tissues. Up‐regulation of SEZ6L2 was correlated with a poor prognosis in patients with CRC. In vitro experiments suggested that the knockdown of SEZ6L2 inhibits CRC cell growth and colony formation, but it has no significant impact on the invasion. The antitumour effects of shSEZ6L2 were also confirmed by a xenograft model. Investigations of the mechanisms indicated that the knockdown of SEZ6L2 impairs the growth of the CRC cells by inducing caspase‐dependent apoptosis, which was mediated by mitochondria‐related proteins. Furthermore, SEZ6L2 expression was inversely correlated with the expression of cytochrome C in malignant tissues in patients with CRC. Collectively, the present study indicates that SEZ6L2 is a potential prognosis biomarker and therapy target for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning An
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Cancer Center, Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaqin Zhao
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Haitao Lan
- Cancer Center, Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Cancer Center, Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuan Yin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Yi
- Department of Abdominal Cancer, West China Hospital, West China Clinical Medical School, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Upregulated Seizure-Related 6 Homolog-Like 2 Is a Prognostic Predictor of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. DISEASE MARKERS 2020; 2020:7318703. [PMID: 32148567 PMCID: PMC7042535 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7318703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Seizure-related 6 homolog-like 2 (SEZ6L2), which is localized on the cell surface, has been found to be associated with tumor angiogenesis and lung cancer progression. However, the role of SEZ6L2 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is still unclear. We obtained data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to investigate SEZ6L2 expression and regulation in HCC. Then, HCC tissue samples were collected to verify SEZ6L2 by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemical staining (IHC). Patient information was collected for survival and prognosis analysis. qRT-PCR, IHC, and bioinformatics analysis showed that the SEZ6L2 protein was highly expressed in HCC samples. Clinical data showed that high SEZ6L2 protein expression was correlated with tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stages (P = 0.046), tumor number (P = 0.016), and tumor size (P = 0.029). Meanwhile, SEZ6L2 overexpression was closely associated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival in HCC patients. Moreover, SEZ6L2 is an independent prognostic predictor for the survival of HCC patients. This study suggests a significant correlation between SEZ6L2 and HCC, which means that SEZ6L2 may potentially serve as a useful prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.
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New Horizons for Molecular Genetics Diagnostic and Research in Autism Spectrum Disorder. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2020; 24:43-81. [PMID: 32006356 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30402-7_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable, heterogeneous, and complex pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder (PND) characterized by distinctive abnormalities of human cognitive functions, social interaction, and speech development.Nowadays, several genetic changes including chromosome abnormalities, genetic variations, transcriptional epigenetics, and noncoding RNA have been identified in ASD. However, the association between these genetic modifications and ASDs has not been confirmed yet.The aim of this review is to summarize the key findings in ASD from genetic viewpoint that have been identified from the last few decades of genetic and molecular research.
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Germline 16p11.2 Microdeletion Predisposes to Neuroblastoma. Am J Hum Genet 2019; 105:658-668. [PMID: 31474320 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2019.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the developing sympathetic nervous system. It is diagnosed in 600-700 children per year in the United States and accounts for 12% of pediatric cancer deaths. Despite recent advances in our understanding of this malignancy's complex genetic architecture, the contribution of rare germline variants remains undefined. Here, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of large (>500 kb), rare (<1%) germline copy number variants (CNVs) in two independent, multi-ethnic cohorts totaling 5,585 children with neuroblastoma and 23,505 cancer-free control children. We identified a 550-kb deletion on chromosome 16p11.2 significantly enriched in neuroblastoma cases (0.39% of cases and 0.03% of controls; p = 3.34 × 10-9). Notably, this CNV corresponds to a known microdeletion syndrome that affects approximately one in 3,000 children and confers risk for diverse developmental phenotypes including autism spectrum disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders. The CNV had a substantial impact on neuroblastoma risk, with an odds ratio of 13.9 (95% confidence interval = 5.8-33.4). The association remained significant when we restricted our analysis to individuals of European ancestry in order to mitigate potential confounding by population stratification (0.42% of cases and 0.03% of controls; p = 4.10 × 10-8). We used whole-genome sequencing (WGS) to validate the deletion in paired germline and tumor DNA from 12 cases. Finally, WGS of four parent-child trios revealed that the deletion primarily arose de novo without maternal or paternal bias. This finding expands the clinical phenotypes associated with 16p11.2 microdeletion syndrome to include cancer, and it suggests that disruption of the 16p11.2 region may dysregulate neurodevelopmental pathways that influence both neurological phenotypes and neuroblastoma.
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Analysis of a Protein Network Related to Copy Number Variations in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Mol Neurosci 2019; 69:140-149. [DOI: 10.1007/s12031-019-01343-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Kumar VJ, Grissom NM, McKee SE, Schoch H, Bowman N, Havekes R, Kumar M, Pickup S, Poptani H, Reyes TM, Hawrylycz M, Abel T, Nickl-Jockschat T. Linking spatial gene expression patterns to sex-specific brain structural changes on a mouse model of 16p11.2 hemideletion. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:109. [PMID: 29844452 PMCID: PMC5974415 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0157-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD and ADHD, affect males about three to four times more often than females. 16p11.2 hemideletion is a copy number variation that is highly associated with neurodevelopmental disorders. Previous work from our lab has shown that a mouse model of 16p11.2 hemideletion (del/+) exhibits male-specific behavioral phenotypes. We, therefore, aimed to investigate with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), whether del/+ animals also exhibited a sex-specific neuroanatomical endophenotype. Using the Allen Mouse Brain Atlas, we analyzed the expression patterns of the 27 genes within the 16p11.2 region to identify which gene expression patterns spatially overlapped with brain structural changes. MRI was performed ex vivo and the resulting images were analyzed using Voxel-based morphometry for T1-weighted sequences and tract-based spatial statistics for diffusion-weighted images. In a subsequent step, all available in situ hybridization (ISH) maps of the genes involved in the 16p11.2 hemideletion were aligned to Waxholm space and clusters obtained by sex-specific group comparisons were analyzed to determine which gene(s) showed the highest expression in these regions. We found pronounced sex-specific changes in male animals with increased fractional anisotropy in medial fiber tracts, especially in those proximate to the striatum. Moreover, we were able to identify gene expression patterns spatially overlapping with male-specific structural changes that were associated with neurite outgrowth and the MAPK pathway. Of note, previous molecular studies have found convergent changes that point to a sex-specific dysregulation of MAPK signaling. This convergent evidence supports the idea that ISH maps can be used to meaningfully analyze imaging data sets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinod Jangir Kumar
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
- Juelich-Aachen Research Alliance Brain, Juelich/Aachen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tubingen, Germany
| | - Nicola M Grissom
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sarah E McKee
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hannah Schoch
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Nicole Bowman
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robbert Havekes
- Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Stephen Pickup
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Harish Poptani
- Department of Radiology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Centre for Preclinical Imaging, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Teresa M Reyes
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Ted Abel
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA
| | - Thomas Nickl-Jockschat
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
- Juelich-Aachen Research Alliance Brain, Juelich/Aachen, Germany.
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA.
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Kctd13 deletion reduces synaptic transmission via increased RhoA. Nature 2017; 551:227-231. [PMID: 29088697 DOI: 10.1038/nature24470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Copy-number variants of chromosome 16 region 16p11.2 are linked to neuropsychiatric disorders and are among the most prevalent in autism spectrum disorders. Of many 16p11.2 genes, Kctd13 has been implicated as a major driver of neurodevelopmental phenotypes. The function of KCTD13 in the mammalian brain, however, remains unknown. Here we delete the Kctd13 gene in mice and demonstrate reduced synaptic transmission. Reduced synaptic transmission correlates with increased levels of Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA), a KCTD13/CUL3 ubiquitin ligase substrate, and is reversed by RhoA inhibition, suggesting increased RhoA as an important mechanism. In contrast to a previous knockdown study, deletion of Kctd13 or kctd13 does not increase brain size or neurogenesis in mice or zebrafish, respectively. These findings implicate Kctd13 in the regulation of neuronal function relevant to neuropsychiatric disorders and clarify the role of Kctd13 in neurogenesis and brain size. Our data also reveal a potential role for RhoA as a therapeutic target in disorders associated with KCTD13 deletion.
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Green Snyder L, D'Angelo D, Chen Q, Bernier R, Goin-Kochel RP, Wallace AS, Gerdts J, Kanne S, Berry L, Blaskey L, Kuschner E, Roberts T, Sherr E, Martin CL, Ledbetter DH, Spiro JE, Chung WK, Hanson E. Autism Spectrum Disorder, Developmental and Psychiatric Features in 16p11.2 Duplication. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 46:2734-2748. [PMID: 27207092 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-016-2807-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The 16p11.2 duplication (BP4-BP5) is associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), although significant heterogeneity exists. Quantitative ASD, behavioral and neuropsychological measures and DSM-IV diagnoses in child and adult carriers were compared with familial non-carrier controls, and to published results from deletion carriers. The 16p11.2 duplication phenotype ranges widely from asymptomatic presentation to significant disability. The most common diagnoses were intellectual disability, motor delays and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in children, and anxiety in adults. ASD occurred in nearly 20 % of child cases, but a majority of carriers did not show the unique social features of ASD. The 16p11.2 duplication phenotype is characterized by wider variability than the reciprocal deletion, likely reflecting contributions from additional risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Debra D'Angelo
- Department of Biostatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Qixuan Chen
- Department of Biostatics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Raphael Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Arianne Stevens Wallace
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jennifer Gerdts
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephen Kanne
- Thompson Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Leandra Berry
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lisa Blaskey
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Emily Kuschner
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Timothy Roberts
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Elliot Sherr
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Christa L Martin
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA
| | - David H Ledbetter
- Autism and Developmental Medicine Institute, Geisinger Health System, Danville, PA, USA
| | - John E Spiro
- Simons Foundation, 160 5th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wendy K Chung
- Simons Foundation, 160 5th Avenue, 7th Floor, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ellen Hanson
- Developmental Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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20
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Owen JP, Bukshpun P, Pojman N, Thieu T, Chen Q, Lee J, D'Angelo D, Glenn OA, Hunter JV, Berman JI, Roberts TP, Buckner R, Nagarajan SS, Mukherjee P, Sherr EH. Brain MR Imaging Findings and Associated Outcomes in Carriers of the Reciprocal Copy Number Variation at 16p11.2. Radiology 2017; 286:217-226. [PMID: 28786752 DOI: 10.1148/radiol.2017162934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Purpose To identify developmental neuroradiologic findings in a large cohort of carriers who have deletion and duplication at 16p11.2 (one of the most common genetic causes of autism spectrum disorder [ASD]) and assess how these features are associated with behavioral and cognitive outcomes. Materials and Methods Seventy-nine carriers of a deletion at 16p11.2 (referred to as deletion carriers; age range, 1-48 years; mean age, 12.3 years; 42 male patients), 79 carriers of a duplication at 16p11.2 (referred to as duplication carriers; age range, 1-63 years; mean age, 24.8 years; 43 male patients), 64 unaffected family members (referred to as familial noncarriers; age range, 1-46 years; mean age, 11.7 years; 31 male participants), and 109 population control participants (age range, 6-64 years; mean age, 25.5 years; 64 male participants) were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Participants underwent structural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and completed cognitive and behavioral tests. MR images were reviewed for development-related abnormalities by neuroradiologists. Differences in frequency were assessed with a Fisher exact test corrected for multiple comparisons. Unsupervised machine learning was used to cluster radiologic features and an association between clusters and cognitive and behavioral scores from IQ testing, and parental measures of development were tested by using analysis of covariance. Volumetric analysis with automated segmentation was used to confirm radiologic interpretation. Results For deletion carriers, the most prominent features were dysmorphic and thicker corpora callosa compared with familial noncarriers and population control participants (16%; P < .001 and P < .001, respectively) and a greater likelihood of cerebellar tonsillar ectopia (30.7%; P < .002 and P < .001, respectively) and Chiari I malformations (9.3%; P < .299 and P < .002, respectively). For duplication carriers, the most salient findings compared with familial noncarriers and population control participants were reciprocally thinner corpora callosa (18.6%; P < .003 and P < .001, respectively), decreased white matter volume (22.9%; P < .001, and P < .001, respectively), and increased ventricular volume (24.3%; P < .001 and P < .001, respectively). By comparing cognitive assessments to imaging findings, the presence of any imaging feature associated with deletion carriers indicated worse daily living, communication, and social skills compared with deletion carriers without any radiologic abnormalities (P < .005, P < .002, and P < .004, respectively). For the duplication carriers, presence of decreased white matter, callosal volume, and/or increased ventricle size was associated with decreased full-scale and verbal IQ scores compared with duplication carriers without these findings (P < .007 and P < .004, respectively). Conclusion In two genetically related cohorts at high risk for ASD, reciprocal neuroanatomic abnormalities were found and determined to be associated with cognitive and behavioral impairments. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia P Owen
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Polina Bukshpun
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Nicholas Pojman
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Tony Thieu
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Qixuan Chen
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Jihui Lee
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Debra D'Angelo
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Orit A Glenn
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Jill V Hunter
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Jeffrey I Berman
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Timothy P Roberts
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Randy Buckner
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Srikantan S Nagarajan
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Pratik Mukherjee
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
| | - Elliott H Sherr
- From the Departments of Radiology (J.P.O., O.A.G., S.S.N., P.M.) and Neurology (P.B., N.P., T.T., E.H.S.), University of California, San Francisco, 675 Nelson Rising Lane, San Francisco, CA 94158; Department of Biostatistics, Columbia University, New York, NY (Q.C., J.L., D.D.); Department of Medicine and Pediatrics, Baylor School of Medicine, Houston, Tex (J.V.H.); Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pa (J.I.B., T.P.R.); and Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Mass (R.B.)
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Schaefer TL, Davenport MH, Grainger LM, Robinson CK, Earnheart AT, Stegman MS, Lang AL, Ashworth AA, Molinaro G, Huber KM, Erickson CA. Acamprosate in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome: modulation of spontaneous cortical activity, ERK1/2 activation, locomotor behavior, and anxiety. J Neurodev Disord 2017; 9:6. [PMID: 28616095 PMCID: PMC5467053 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-017-9184-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) occurs as a result of a silenced fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1) and subsequent loss of fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP) expression. Loss of FMRP alters excitatory/inhibitory signaling balance, leading to increased neuronal hyperexcitability and altered behavior. Acamprosate (the calcium salt of N-acetylhomotaurinate), a drug FDA-approved for relapse prevention in the treatment of alcohol dependence in adults, is a novel agent with multiple mechanisms that may be beneficial for people with FXS. There are questions regarding the neuroactive effects of acamprosate and the significance of the molecule's calcium moiety. Therefore, the electrophysiological, cellular, molecular, and behavioral effects of acamprosate were assessed in the Fmr1-/y (knock out; KO) mouse model of FXS controlling for the calcium salt in several experiments. METHODS Fmr1 KO mice and their wild-type (WT) littermates were utilized to assess acamprosate treatment on cortical UP state parameters, dendritic spine density, and seizure susceptibility. Brain extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation was used to investigate this signaling molecule as a potential biomarker for treatment response. Additional adult mice were used to assess chronic acamprosate treatment and any potential effects of the calcium moiety using CaCl2 treatment on behavior and nuclear ERK1/2 activation. RESULTS Acamprosate attenuated prolonged cortical UP state duration, decreased elevated ERK1/2 activation in brain tissue, and reduced nuclear ERK1/2 activation in the dentate gyrus in KO mice. Acamprosate treatment modified behavior in anxiety and locomotor tests in Fmr1 KO mice in which control-treated KO mice were shown to deviate from control-treated WT mice. Mice treated with CaCl2 were not different from saline-treated mice in the adult behavior battery or nuclear ERK1/2 activation. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that acamprosate, and not calcium, improves function reminiscent of reduced anxiety-like behavior and hyperactivity in Fmr1 KO mice and that acamprosate attenuates select electrophysiological and molecular dysregulation that may play a role in the pathophysiology of FXS. Differences between control-treated KO and WT mice were not evident in a recognition memory test or in examination of acoustic startle response/prepulse inhibition which impeded conclusions from being made about the treatment effects of acamprosate in these instances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tori L Schaefer
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Matthew H Davenport
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Lindsay M Grainger
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Chandler K Robinson
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Anthony T Earnheart
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
| | - Melinda S Stegman
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Present address: Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229 USA
| | - Anna L Lang
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Present address: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202 USA
| | - Amy A Ashworth
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA.,Present address: BlackbookHR, Cincinnati, OH 45202 USA
| | - Gemma Molinaro
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Kimberly M Huber
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390 USA
| | - Craig A Erickson
- Division of Psychiatry, MLC 7004, Cincinnati Children's Research Foundation, 3333 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039 USA
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Exome sequencing identifies pathogenic variants of VPS13B in a patient with familial 16p11.2 duplication. BMC MEDICAL GENETICS 2016; 17:78. [PMID: 27832746 PMCID: PMC5105257 DOI: 10.1186/s12881-016-0340-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Background The recurrent microduplication of 16p11.2 (dup16p11.2) is associated with a broad spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) confounded by incomplete penetrance and variable expressivity. This inter- and intra-familial clinical variability highlights the importance of personalized genetic counselling in individuals at-risk. Case presentation In this study, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) to look for other genomic alterations that could explain the clinical variability in a family with a boy presenting with NDD who inherited the dup16p11.2 from his apparently healthy mother. We identified novel splicing variants of VPS13B (8q22.2) in the proband with compound heterozygous inheritance. Two VPS13B mutations abolished the canonical splice sites resulting in low RNA expression in transformed lymphoblasts of the proband. VPS13B mutation causes Cohen syndrome (CS) consistent with the proband’s phenotype (intellectual disability (ID), microcephaly, facial gestalt, retinal dystrophy, joint hypermobility and neutropenia). The new diagnosis of CS has important health implication for the proband, provides the opportunity for more meaningful and accurate genetic counselling for the family; and underscores the importance of longitudinally following patients for evolving phenotypic features. Conclusions This is the first report of a co-occurrence of pathogenic variants with familial dup16p11.2. Our finding suggests that the variable expressivity among carriers of rare putatively pathogenic CNVs such as dup16p11.2 warrants further study by WES and individualized genetic counselling of families with such CNVs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12881-016-0340-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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23
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Functions of the Alzheimer's Disease Protease BACE1 at the Synapse in the Central Nervous System. J Mol Neurosci 2016; 60:305-315. [PMID: 27456313 PMCID: PMC5059407 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-016-0800-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of the protease β-site amyloid precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) is a promising treatment strategy for Alzheimer's disease, and a number of BACE inhibitors are currently progressing through clinical trials. The strategy aims to decrease production of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), thus reducing or preventing Aβ toxicity. Over the last decade, it has become clear that BACE1 proteolytically cleaves a number of substrates in addition to APP. These substrates are not known to be involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease but have other roles in the developing and/or mature central nervous system. Consequently, BACE inhibition and knockout in mice results in synaptic and other neuronal dysfunctions and the key substrates responsible for these deficits are still being elucidated. Of the BACE1 substrates that have been validated to date, a number may contribute to the synaptic deficits seen with BACE blockade, including neuregulin 1, close homologue of L1 and seizure-related gene 6. It is important to understand the impact that BACE blockade may have on these substrates and other proteins detected in substrate screens and, if necessary, develop substrate-selective BACE inhibitors.
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24
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Fernández V, Llinares-Benadero C, Borrell V. Cerebral cortex expansion and folding: what have we learned? EMBO J 2016; 35:1021-44. [PMID: 27056680 PMCID: PMC4868950 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201593701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 210] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2015] [Revised: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most prominent features of the human brain is the fabulous size of the cerebral cortex and its intricate folding. Cortical folding takes place during embryonic development and is important to optimize the functional organization and wiring of the brain, as well as to allow fitting a large cortex in a limited cranial volume. Pathological alterations in size or folding of the human cortex lead to severe intellectual disability and intractable epilepsy. Hence, cortical expansion and folding are viewed as key processes in mammalian brain development and evolution, ultimately leading to increased intellectual performance and, eventually, to the emergence of human cognition. Here, we provide an overview and discuss some of the most significant advances in our understanding of cortical expansion and folding over the last decades. These include discoveries in multiple and diverse disciplines, from cellular and molecular mechanisms regulating cortical development and neurogenesis, genetic mechanisms defining the patterns of cortical folds, the biomechanics of cortical growth and buckling, lessons from human disease, and how genetic evolution steered cortical size and folding during mammalian evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Fernández
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Cristina Llinares-Benadero
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
| | - Víctor Borrell
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas & Universidad Miguel Hernández, Sant Joan d'Alacant, Spain
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25
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Perdomo-Sabogal A, Nowick K, Piccini I, Sudbrak R, Lehrach H, Yaspo ML, Warnatz HJ, Querfurth R. Human Lineage-Specific Transcriptional Regulation through GA-Binding Protein Transcription Factor Alpha (GABPa). Mol Biol Evol 2016; 33:1231-44. [PMID: 26814189 PMCID: PMC4839217 DOI: 10.1093/molbev/msw007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
A substantial fraction of phenotypic differences between closely related species are likely caused by differences in gene regulation. While this has already been postulated over 30 years ago, only few examples of evolutionary changes in gene regulation have been verified. Here, we identified and investigated binding sites of the transcription factor GA-binding protein alpha (GABPa) aiming to discover cis-regulatory adaptations on the human lineage. By performing chromatin immunoprecipitation-sequencing experiments in a human cell line, we found 11,619 putative GABPa binding sites. Through sequence comparisons of the human GABPa binding regions with orthologous sequences from 34 mammals, we identified substitutions that have resulted in 224 putative human-specific GABPa binding sites. To experimentally assess the transcriptional impact of those substitutions, we selected four promoters for promoter-reporter gene assays using human and African green monkey cells. We compared the activities of wild-type promoters to mutated forms, where we have introduced one or more substitutions to mimic the ancestral state devoid of the GABPa consensus binding sequence. Similarly, we introduced the human-specific substitutions into chimpanzee and macaque promoter backgrounds. Our results demonstrate that the identified substitutions are functional, both in human and nonhuman promoters. In addition, we performed GABPa knock-down experiments and found 1,215 genes as strong candidates for primary targets. Further analyses of our data sets link GABPa to cognitive disorders, diabetes, KRAB zinc finger (KRAB-ZNF), and human-specific genes. Thus, we propose that differences in GABPa binding sites played important roles in the evolution of human-specific phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Perdomo-Sabogal
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, and Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany Paul-Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Nowick
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Computer Science, and Interdisciplinary Center for Bioinformatics, University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany Paul-Flechsig Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ilaria Piccini
- Institute of Genetics of Heart Diseases (IfGH), Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, University Hospital Münster, 48149 Münster, Germany Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Sudbrak
- European Centre for Public Heath Genomics, UNU-MERIT, Unsiversity Maastricht,PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans Lehrach
- Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marie-Laure Yaspo
- Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hans-Jörg Warnatz
- Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert Querfurth
- Department of Vertebrate Genomics, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
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26
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Kazdoba TM, Leach PT, Crawley JN. Behavioral phenotypes of genetic mouse models of autism. GENES, BRAIN, AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 15:7-26. [PMID: 26403076 PMCID: PMC4775274 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
More than a hundred de novo single gene mutations and copy-number variants have been implicated in autism, each occurring in a small subset of cases. Mutant mouse models with syntenic mutations offer research tools to gain an understanding of the role of each gene in modulating biological and behavioral phenotypes relevant to autism. Knockout, knockin and transgenic mice incorporating risk gene mutations detected in autism spectrum disorder and comorbid neurodevelopmental disorders are now widely available. At present, autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed solely by behavioral criteria. We developed a constellation of mouse behavioral assays designed to maximize face validity to the types of social deficits and repetitive behaviors that are central to an autism diagnosis. Mouse behavioral assays for associated symptoms of autism, which include cognitive inflexibility, anxiety, hyperactivity, and unusual reactivity to sensory stimuli, are frequently included in the phenotypic analyses. Over the past 10 years, we and many other laboratories around the world have employed these and additional behavioral tests to phenotype a large number of mutant mouse models of autism. In this review, we highlight mouse models with mutations in genes that have been identified as risk genes for autism, which work through synaptic mechanisms and through the mTOR signaling pathway. Robust, replicated autism-relevant behavioral outcomes in a genetic mouse model lend credence to a causal role for specific gene contributions and downstream biological mechanisms in the etiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- T. M. Kazdoba
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - P. T. Leach
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - J. N. Crawley
- MIND Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
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27
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Boonen M, Staudt C, Gilis F, Oorschot V, Klumperman J, Jadot M. Cathepsin D and its newly identified transport receptor SEZ6L2 can modulate neurite outgrowth. J Cell Sci 2015; 129:557-68. [PMID: 26698217 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.179374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
How, in the absence of a functional mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P)-signal-dependent transport pathway, some acid hydrolases remain sorted to endolysosomes in the brain is poorly understood. We demonstrate that cathepsin D binds to mouse SEZ6L2, a type 1 transmembrane protein predominantly expressed in the brain. Studies of the subcellular trafficking of SEZ6L2, and its silencing in a mouse neuroblastoma cell line reveal that SEZ6L2 is involved in the trafficking of cathepsin D to endosomes. Moreover, SEZ6L2 can partially correct the cathepsin D hypersecretion resulting from the knockdown of UDP-GlcNAc:lysosomal enzyme GlcNAc-1-phosphotransferase in HeLa cells (i.e. in cells that are unable to synthesize Man-6-P signals). Interestingly, cleavage of SEZ6L2 by cathepsin D generates an N-terminal soluble fragment that induces neurite outgrowth, whereas its membrane counterpart prevents this. Taken together, our findings highlight that SEZ6L2 can serve as receptor to mediate the sorting of cathepsin D to endosomes, and suggest that proteolytic cleavage of SEZ6L2 by cathepsin D modulates neuronal differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marielle Boonen
- URPhyM-Laboratoire de Chimie Physiologique, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, Namur 5000, Belgium
| | - Catherine Staudt
- URPhyM-Laboratoire de Chimie Physiologique, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, Namur 5000, Belgium
| | - Florentine Gilis
- URPhyM-Laboratoire de Chimie Physiologique, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, Namur 5000, Belgium
| | - Viola Oorschot
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Judith Klumperman
- Department of Cell Biology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, Utrecht 3584 CX, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Jadot
- URPhyM-Laboratoire de Chimie Physiologique, University of Namur, 61 rue de Bruxelles, Namur 5000, Belgium
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28
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Kusenda M, Vacic V, Malhotra D, Rodgers L, Pavon K, Meth J, Kumar RA, Christian SL, Peeters H, Cho SS, Addington A, Rapoport JL, Sebat J. The Influence of Microdeletions and Microduplications of 16p11.2 on Global Transcription Profiles. J Child Neurol 2015; 30:1947-53. [PMID: 26391891 PMCID: PMC4739844 DOI: 10.1177/0883073815602066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) of a 600 kb region on 16p11.2 are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and changes in brain volume. The authors hypothesize that abnormal brain development associated with this CNV can be attributed to changes in transcriptional regulation. The authors determined the effects of 16p11.2 dosage on gene expression by transcription profiling of lymphoblast cell lines derived from 6 microdeletion carriers, 15 microduplication carriers and 15 controls. Gene dosage had a significant influence on the transcript abundance of a majority (20/34) of genes within the CNV region. In addition, a limited number of genes were dysregulated in trans. Genes most strongly correlated with patient head circumference included SULT1A, KCTD13, and TMEM242. Given the modest effect of 16p11.2 copy number on global transcriptional regulation in lymphocytes, larger studies utilizing neuronal cell types may be needed in order to elucidate the signaling pathways that influence brain development in this genetic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Kusenda
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA,Department of Biology, Chemistry and Environmental Studies, Molloy College, Rockville Centre, New York 11571, USA
| | - Vladimir Vacic
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Dheeraj Malhotra
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA,Beyster Center for Genomics of Psychiatric Diseases, Department of Psychiatry, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Linda Rodgers
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Kevin Pavon
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Meth
- Stanley Institute for Cognitive Genomics, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, USA
| | - Ravinesh A. Kumar
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Hilde Peeters
- Laboratory for Genetics of Human Development, Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven, Netherlands
| | - Shawn S. Cho
- Beyster Center for Genomics of Psychiatric Diseases, Department of Psychiatry, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anjene Addington
- Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Judith L. Rapoport
- Child Psychiatry Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Sebat
- Beyster Center for Genomics of Psychiatric Diseases, Department of Psychiatry, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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29
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Chapman NH, Nato AQ, Bernier R, Ankenman K, Sohi H, Munson J, Patowary A, Archer M, Blue EM, Webb SJ, Coon H, Raskind WH, Brkanac Z, Wijsman EM. Whole exome sequencing in extended families with autism spectrum disorder implicates four candidate genes. Hum Genet 2015; 134:1055-68. [PMID: 26204995 PMCID: PMC4578871 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-015-1585-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterized by impairment in communication and social interactions, and by repetitive behaviors. ASDs are highly heritable, and estimates of the number of risk loci range from hundreds to >1000. We considered 7 extended families (size 12-47 individuals), each with ≥3 individuals affected by ASD. All individuals were genotyped with dense SNP panels. A small subset of each family was typed with whole exome sequence (WES). We used a 3-step approach for variant identification. First, we used family-specific parametric linkage analysis of the SNP data to identify regions of interest. Second, we filtered variants in these regions based on frequency and function, obtaining exactly 200 candidates. Third, we compared two approaches to narrowing this list further. We used information from the SNP data to impute exome variant dosages into those without WES. We regressed affected status on variant allele dosage, using pedigree-based kinship matrices to account for relationships. The p value for the test of the null hypothesis that variant allele dosage is unrelated to phenotype was used to indicate strength of evidence supporting the variant. A cutoff of p = 0.05 gave 28 variants. As an alternative third filter, we required Mendelian inheritance in those with WES, resulting in 70 variants. The imputation- and association-based approach was effective. We identified four strong candidate genes for ASD (SEZ6L, HISPPD1, FEZF1, SAMD11), all of which have been previously implicated in other studies, or have a strong biological argument for their relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola H Chapman
- Division of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alejandro Q Nato
- Division of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Raphael Bernier
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Katy Ankenman
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Harkirat Sohi
- Division of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeff Munson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center on Child Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ashok Patowary
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Marilyn Archer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Blue
- Division of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sara Jane Webb
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Center on Child Development and Disability, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hilary Coon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Wendy H Raskind
- Division of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Zoran Brkanac
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ellen M Wijsman
- Division of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
- University of Washington, University of Washington Tower, T15, 4333 Brooklyn Ave, NE, BOX 359460, Seattle, WA, 98195-9460, USA.
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30
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Poot M, Haaf T. Mechanisms of Origin, Phenotypic Effects and Diagnostic Implications of Complex Chromosome Rearrangements. Mol Syndromol 2015; 6:110-34. [PMID: 26732513 DOI: 10.1159/000438812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Complex chromosome rearrangements (CCRs) are currently defined as structural genome variations that involve more than 2 chromosome breaks and result in exchanges of chromosomal segments. They are thought to be extremely rare, but their detection rate is rising because of improvements in molecular cytogenetic technology. Their population frequency is also underestimated, since many CCRs may not elicit a phenotypic effect. CCRs may be the result of fork stalling and template switching, microhomology-mediated break-induced repair, breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, or chromothripsis. Patients with chromosomal instability syndromes show elevated rates of CCRs due to impaired DNA double-strand break responses during meiosis. Therefore, the putative functions of the proteins encoded by ATM, BLM, WRN, ATR, MRE11, NBS1, and RAD51 in preventing CCRs are discussed. CCRs may exert a pathogenic effect by either (1) gene dosage-dependent mechanisms, e.g. haploinsufficiency, (2) mechanisms based on disruption of the genomic architecture, such that genes, parts of genes or regulatory elements are truncated, fused or relocated and thus their interactions disturbed - these mechanisms will predominantly affect gene expression - or (3) mixed mutation mechanisms in which a CCR on one chromosome is combined with a different type of mutation on the other chromosome. Such inferred mechanisms of pathogenicity need corroboration by mRNA sequencing. Also, future studies with in vitro models, such as inducible pluripotent stem cells from patients with CCRs, and transgenic model organisms should substantiate current inferences regarding putative pathogenic effects of CCRs. The ramifications of the growing body of information on CCRs for clinical and experimental genetics and future treatment modalities are briefly illustrated with 2 cases, one of which suggests KDM4C (JMJD2C) as a novel candidate gene for mental retardation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Poot
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Haaf
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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31
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Adi A, Tawil B, Aldosari M, Shinwari J, Nester M, Aldhalaan H, Alshamrani H, Ghannam M, Meyer B, Al Tassan N. Homozygosity analysis in subjects with autistic spectrum disorder. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:2307-12. [PMID: 25901489 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that results in social and communication impairments, as well as repetitive and stereotyped patterns. Genetically, ASD has been described as a multifactorial genetic disorder. The aim of the present study was to investigate possible susceptibility loci of ASD, utilizing the highly consanguineous and inbred nature of numerous families within the population of Saudi Arabia. A total of 13 multiplex families and 27 affected individuals were recruited and analyzed using Affymetrix GeneChip(®) Mapping 250K and 6.0 arrays as well as Axiom arrays. Numerous regions of homozygosity were identified, including regions in genes associated with synaptic function and neurotransmitters, as well as energy and mitochondria-associated genes, and developmentally-associated genes. The loci identified in the present study represent regions that may be further investigated, which could reveal novel changes and variations associated with ASD, reinforcing the complex inheritance of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Adi
- Behavioral Genetics Unit, Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma Tawil
- Behavioral Genetics Unit, Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Aldosari
- Center for Autism Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jameela Shinwari
- Behavioral Genetics Unit, Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Michael Nester
- Center for Autism Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hisham Aldhalaan
- Center for Autism Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hussain Alshamrani
- Center for Autism Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manar Ghannam
- Center for Autism Research, King Faisal Specialist Hospital, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Brian Meyer
- Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nada Al Tassan
- Behavioral Genetics Unit, Department of Genetics, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh 11211, Saudi Arabia
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Yang M, Mahrt EJ, Lewis F, Foley G, Portmann T, Dolmetsch RE, Portfors CV, Crawley JN. 16p11.2 Deletion Syndrome Mice Display Sensory and Ultrasonic Vocalization Deficits During Social Interactions. Autism Res 2015; 8:507-21. [PMID: 25663600 DOI: 10.1002/aur.1465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2014] [Accepted: 12/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent deletions and duplications at chromosomal region 16p11.2 are variably associated with speech delay, autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, schizophrenia, and cognitive impairments. Social communication deficits are a primary diagnostic symptom of autism. Here we investigated ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) in young adult male 16p11.2 deletion mice during a novel three-phase male-female social interaction test that detects vocalizations emitted by a male in the presence of an estrous female, how the male changes its calling when the female is suddenly absent, and the extent to which calls resume when the female returns. Strikingly fewer vocalizations were detected in two independent cohorts of 16p11.2 heterozygous deletion males (+/-) during the first exposure to an unfamiliar estrous female, as compared to wildtype littermates (+/+). When the female was removed, +/+ emitted calls, but at a much lower level, whereas +/- males called minimally. Sensory and motor abnormalities were detected in +/-, including higher nociceptive thresholds, a complete absence of acoustic startle responses, and hearing loss in all +/- as confirmed by lack of auditory brainstem responses to frequencies between 8 and 100 kHz. Stereotyped circling and backflipping appeared in a small percentage of individuals, as previously reported. However, these sensory and motor phenotypes could not directly explain the low vocalizations in 16p11.2 deletion mice, since (a) +/- males displayed normal abilities to emit vocalizations when the female was subsequently reintroduced, and (b) +/- vocalized less than +/+ to social odor cues delivered on an inanimate cotton swab. Our findings support the concept that mouse USVs in social settings represent a response to social cues, and that 16p11.2 deletion mice are deficient in their initial USVs responses to novel social cues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Yang
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817
| | - Elena J Mahrt
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, 98686
| | - Freeman Lewis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817
| | - Gillian Foley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817
| | - Thomas Portmann
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305.,Drug Discovery Program, Circuit Therapeutics Inc., Menlo Park, CA, 94025
| | - Ricardo E Dolmetsch
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305.,Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA, 02139
| | - Christine V Portfors
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, Washington State University Vancouver, Vancouver, WA, 98686
| | - Jacqueline N Crawley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, 95817
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Kloosterman WP, Hochstenbach R. Deciphering the pathogenic consequences of chromosomal aberrations in human genetic disease. Mol Cytogenet 2014; 7:100. [PMID: 25606056 PMCID: PMC4299681 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-014-0100-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal aberrations include translocations, deletions, duplications, inversions, aneuploidies and complex rearrangements. They underlie genetic disease in roughly 15% of patients with multiple congenital abnormalities and/or mental retardation (MCA/MR). In genetic diagnostics, the pathogenicity of chromosomal aberrations in these patients is typically assessed based on criteria such as phenotypic similarity to other patients with the same or overlapping aberration, absence in healthy individuals, de novo occurrence, and protein coding gene content. However, a thorough understanding of the molecular mechanisms that lead to MCA/MR as a result of chromosome aberrations is often lacking. Chromosome aberrations can affect one or more genes in a complex manner, such as by changing the regulation of gene expression, by disrupting exons, and by creating fusion genes. The precise delineation of breakpoints by whole-genome sequencing enables the construction of local genomic architecture and facilitates the prediction of the molecular determinants of the patient's phenotype. Here, we review current methods for breakpoint identification and their impact on the interpretation of chromosome aberrations in patients with MCA/MR. In addition, we discuss opportunities to dissect disease mechanisms based on large-scale genomic technologies and studies in model organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wigard P Kloosterman
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, P.O. Box 85060, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Hochstenbach
- Department of Medical Genetics, Genome Diagnostics, P.O. Box 85090, 3508 AB Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Perdomo-Sabogal A, Kanton S, Walter MBC, Nowick K. The role of gene regulatory factors in the evolutionary history of humans. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2014; 29:60-7. [PMID: 25215414 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2014.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 08/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Deciphering the molecular basis of how modern human phenotypes have evolved is one of the most fascinating challenges in biology. Here, we will focus on the roles of gene regulatory factors (GRFs), in particular transcription factors (TFs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) during human evolution. We will present examples of TFs and lncRNAs that have changed or show signs of positive selection in humans compared to chimpanzees, in modern humans compared to archaic humans, or within modern human populations. On the basis of current knowledge about the functions of these GRF genes, we speculate that they have been involved in speciation as well as in shaping phenotypes such as brain functions, skeletal morphology, and metabolic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Perdomo-Sabogal
- TFome Research Group, Bioinformatics Group, Interdisciplinary Center of Bioinformatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Leipzig, Härtelstrasse 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany; Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Jahnallee 59, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabina Kanton
- TFome Research Group, Bioinformatics Group, Interdisciplinary Center of Bioinformatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Leipzig, Härtelstrasse 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany; Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Jahnallee 59, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Beatriz C Walter
- TFome Research Group, Bioinformatics Group, Interdisciplinary Center of Bioinformatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Leipzig, Härtelstrasse 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany; Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Jahnallee 59, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katja Nowick
- TFome Research Group, Bioinformatics Group, Interdisciplinary Center of Bioinformatics, Department of Computer Science, University of Leipzig, Härtelstrasse 16-18, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany; Paul-Flechsig-Institute for Brain Research, University of Leipzig, Jahnallee 59, D-04109 Leipzig, Germany.
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Dicentric Chromosome 14;18 Plus Two Additional CNVs in a Girl with Microform Holoprosencephaly and Turner Stigmata. Balkan J Med Genet 2014; 16:67-72. [PMID: 24778566 PMCID: PMC4001418 DOI: 10.2478/bjmg-2013-0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a 20-year-old female with features evocative of Turner syndrome (short stature, broad trunk, mild webbed neck), dysmorphic face, minor features of holo-prosencephaly (HPE), small hands and feet, excessive hair growth on anterior trunk and intellectual disability. Cytogenetic analysis identified a pseudodicentric 14;18 chromosome. Genome wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array showed a terminal deletion of approximately 10.24 Mb, from 18p11.32 to 18p11.22, flanked by a duplication of approximately 1.15 Mb, from 18p11.22 to 18p11.21. In addition, the SNP array revealed a duplication of 516 kb in 16p11.2. We correlated the patient’s clinical findings with the features mentioned in the literature for these copy number variations. This case study shows the importance of microarray analysis in the detection of cryptic chromosomal rearrangements in patients with intellectual disability and multiple congenital anomalies.
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Avdjieva-Tzavella D, Hadjidekova S, Rukova B, Nesheva D, Litvinenko I, Hristova-Naydenova D, Simeonov E, Tincheva R, Toncheva D. Detection of Genomic Imbalances by Array-Based Comparative Genomic Hybridization in Bulgarian Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders. BIOTECHNOL BIOTEC EQ 2014. [DOI: 10.5504/bbeq.2012.0097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
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37
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Huguet G, Nava C, Lemière N, Patin E, Laval G, Ey E, Brice A, Leboyer M, Szepetowski P, Gillberg C, Depienne C, Delorme R, Bourgeron T. Heterogeneous pattern of selective pressure for PRRT2 in human populations, but no association with autism spectrum disorders. PLoS One 2014; 9:e88600. [PMID: 24594579 PMCID: PMC3940422 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0088600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited and de novo genomic imbalances at chromosome 16p11.2 are associated with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), but the causative genes remain unknown. Among the genes located in this region, PRRT2 codes for a member of the synaptic SNARE complex that allows the release of synaptic vesicles. PRRT2 is a candidate gene for ASD since homozygote mutations are associated with intellectual disability and heterozygote mutations cause benign infantile seizures, paroxysmal dyskinesia, or hemiplegic migraine. Here, we explored the contribution of PRRT2 mutations in ASD by screening its coding part in a large sample of 1578 individuals including 431 individuals with ASD, 186 controls and 961 individuals from the human genome Diversity Panel. We detected 24 nonsynonymous variants, 1 frameshift (A217PfsX8) and 1 in-frame deletion of 6 bp (p.A361_P362del). The frameshift mutation was observed in a control with no history of neurological or psychiatric disorders. The p.A361_P362del was observed in two individuals with autism from sub-Saharan African origin. Overall, the frequency of PRRT2 deleterious variants was not different between individuals with ASD and controls. Remarkably, PRRT2 displays a highly significant excess of nonsynonymous (pN) vs synonymous (pS) mutations in Asia (pN/pS = 4.85) and Europe (pN/pS = 1.62) compared with Africa (pN/pS = 0.26; Asia vs Africa: P = 0.000087; Europe vs Africa P = 0.00035; Europe vs Asia P = P = 0.084). We also showed that whole genome amplification performed through rolling cycle amplification could artificially introduce the A217PfsX8 mutation indicating that this technology should not be performed prior to PRRT2 mutation screening. In summary, our results do not support a role for PRRT2 coding sequence variants in ASD, but provide an ascertainment of its genetic variability in worldwide populations that should help researchers and clinicians to better investigate the role of PRRT2 in human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Huguet
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS URA 2182 ‘Genes, synapses and cognition’, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- University Denis Diderot Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Nava
- INSERM, U975—CRICM, Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- CNRS 7225—CRICM, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris-6 (UPMC), UMR_S 975, Paris, France
- Département de Génétique et de Cytogénétique, Unité fonctionnelle de génétique clinique, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Lemière
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS URA 2182 ‘Genes, synapses and cognition’, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- University Denis Diderot Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - Etienne Patin
- Unit of Human Evolutionary Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Guillaume Laval
- Unit of Human Evolutionary Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Elodie Ey
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS URA 2182 ‘Genes, synapses and cognition’, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- University Denis Diderot Paris 7, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Brice
- INSERM, U975—CRICM, Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- CNRS 7225—CRICM, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris-6 (UPMC), UMR_S 975, Paris, France
- Département de Génétique et de Cytogénétique, Unité fonctionnelle de neurogénétique moléculaire et cellulaire, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Marion Leboyer
- INSERM, U955, Psychiatry Genetic team, Creteil, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Pierre Szepetowski
- INSERM, UMR_S901, Marseille, France
- Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
- Mediterranean Institute of Neurobiology (INMED), Marseille, France
| | - Christopher Gillberg
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Göteborg, Sweden
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christel Depienne
- INSERM, U975—CRICM, Institut du cerveau et de la moelle épinière (ICM), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- CNRS 7225—CRICM, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie-Paris-6 (UPMC), UMR_S 975, Paris, France
- Département de Génétique et de Cytogénétique, Unité fonctionnelle de neurogénétique moléculaire et cellulaire, AP-HP, Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | - Richard Delorme
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS URA 2182 ‘Genes, synapses and cognition’, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Robert Debré Hospital, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Paris, France
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- CNRS URA 2182 ‘Genes, synapses and cognition’, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
- University Denis Diderot Paris 7, Paris, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
- * E-mail:
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Lo-Castro A, Curatolo P. Epilepsy associated with autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: is there a genetic link? Brain Dev 2014; 36:185-93. [PMID: 23726375 DOI: 10.1016/j.braindev.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2013] [Revised: 04/28/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) and Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are the most common comorbid conditions associated with childhood epilepsy. The co-occurrence of an epilepsy/autism phenotype or an epilepsy/ADHD phenotype has a complex and heterogeneous pathogenesis, resulting from several altered neurobiological mechanisms involved in early brain development, and influencing synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission and functional connectivity. Rare clinically relevant chromosomal aberrations, in addition to environmental factors, may confer an increased risk for ASDs/ADHD comorbid with epilepsy. The majority of the candidate genes are involved in synaptic formation/remodeling/maintenance (NRX1, CNTN4, DCLK2, CNTNAP2, TRIM32, ASTN2, CTNTN5, SYN1), neurotransmission (SYNGAP1, GABRG1, CHRNA7), or DNA methylation/chromatin remodeling (MBD5). Two genetic disorders, such as Tuberous sclerosis and Fragile X syndrome may serve as models for understanding the common pathogenic pathways leading to ASDs and ADHD comorbidities in children with epilepsy, offering the potential for new biologically focused treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Lo-Castro
- Neuroscience Department, Pediatric Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Paolo Curatolo
- Neuroscience Department, Pediatric Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Italy
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Glutamatergic candidate genes in autism spectrum disorder: an overview. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 121:1081-106. [PMID: 24493018 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-014-1161-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with early onset in childhood. Most of the risk for ASD can be explained by genetic variants that act in interaction with biological environmental risk factors. However, the architecture of the genetic components is still unclear. Genetic studies and subsequent systems biological approaches described converging functional effects of identified genes towards pathways relevant for neuronal signalling. Mouse models suggest an aberrant synaptic plasticity at the neuropathological level, which is believed to be conferred by dysregulation of long-term potentiation or depression of neuronal connections. A central pathway regulating these mechanisms is glutamatergic signalling. Here, we hypothesized that susceptibility genes for ASD are enriched for components of this pathway. To further understand the impact of ASD risk genes on the glutamatergic pathway, we performed a systematic review using the literature database "pubmed" and the "AutismKB" knowledgebase. We provide an overview of the glutamatergic system in typical brain function and development, and summarize findings from linkage, association, copy number variants, and sequencing studies in ASD to provide a comprehensive picture of the glutamatergic landscape of ASD genetics. Genetic variants associated with ASD were enriched in glutamatergic pathways, affecting receptor signalling, metabolism and transport. Furthermore, in genetically modified mouse models for ASD, pharmacological compounds acting on ionotropic or metabotropic receptor activity are able to rescue ASD reminscent phenotypes. We conclude that glutamatergic genetic risk factors for ASD show a complex pattern and further studies are needed to fully understand its mechanisms, before translation of findings into clinical applications and individualized treatment approaches will be possible.
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40
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Krumm N, O'Roak BJ, Shendure J, Eichler EE. A de novo convergence of autism genetics and molecular neuroscience. Trends Neurosci 2013; 37:95-105. [PMID: 24387789 PMCID: PMC4077788 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 327] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2013] [Revised: 10/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID) are neurodevelopmental disorders with large genetic components, but identification of pathogenic genes has proceeded slowly because hundreds of loci are involved. New exome sequencing technology has identified novel rare variants and has found that sporadic cases of ASD/ID are enriched for disruptive de novo mutations. Targeted large-scale resequencing studies have confirmed the significance of specific loci, including chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 8 (CHD8), sodium channel, voltage-gated, type II, alpha subunit (SCN2A), dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A), and catenin (cadherin-associated protein), beta 1, 88 kDa (CTNNB1, beta-catenin). We review recent studies and suggest that they have led to a convergence on three functional pathways: (i) chromatin remodeling; (ii) wnt signaling during development; and (iii) synaptic function. These pathways and genes significantly expand the neurobiological targets for study, and suggest a path for future genetic and functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niklas Krumm
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Brian J O'Roak
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jay Shendure
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Evan E Eichler
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA.
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41
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Abstract
The autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by impairments in social interaction and stereotyped behaviors. For the majority of individuals with ASD, the causes of the disorder remain unknown; however, in up to 25% of cases, a genetic cause can be identified. Chromosomal rearrangements as well as rare and de novo copy-number variants are present in ∼10-20% of individuals with ASD, compared with 1-2% in the general population and/or unaffected siblings. Rare and de novo coding-sequence mutations affecting neuronal genes have also been identified in ∼5-10% of individuals with ASD. Common variants such as single-nucleotide polymorphisms seem to contribute to ASD susceptibility, but, taken individually, their effects appear to be small. Despite a heterogeneous genetic landscape, the genes implicated thus far-which are involved in chromatin remodeling, metabolism, mRNA translation, and synaptic function-seem to converge in common pathways affecting neuronal and synaptic homeostasis. Animal models developed to study these genes should lead to a better understanding of the diversity of the genetic landscapes of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Huguet
- Human Genetics and Cognitive Functions Unit, Institut Pasteur, 75015 Paris, France;
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42
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Menashe I, Larsen EC, Banerjee-Basu S. Prioritization of Copy Number Variation Loci Associated with Autism from AutDB-An Integrative Multi-Study Genetic Database. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66707. [PMID: 23825557 PMCID: PMC3688962 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2012] [Accepted: 05/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) are thought to play an important role in the predisposition to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, their relatively low frequency and widespread genomic distribution complicates their accurate characterization and utilization for clinical genetics purposes. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of multi-study, genome-wide CNV data from AutDB (http://mindspec.org/autdb.html), a genetic database that accommodates detailed annotations of published scientific reports of CNVs identified in ASD individuals. Overall, we evaluated 4,926 CNVs in 2,373 ASD subjects from 48 scientific reports, encompassing ∼2.12×109 bp of genomic data. Remarkable variation was seen in CNV size, with duplications being significantly larger than deletions, (P = 3×10−105; Wilcoxon rank sum test). Examination of the CNV burden across the genome revealed 11 loci with a significant excess of CNVs among ASD subjects (P<7×10−7). Altogether, these loci covered 15,610 kb of the genome and contained 166 genes. Remarkable variation was seen both in locus size (20 - 4950 kb), and gene content, with seven multigenic (≥3 genes) and four monogenic loci. CNV data from control populations was used to further refine the boundaries of these ASD susceptibility loci. Interestingly, our analysis indicates that 15q11.2-13.3, a genomic region prone to chromosomal rearrangements of various sizes, contains three distinct ASD susceptibility CNV loci that vary in their genomic boundaries, CNV types, inheritance patterns, and overlap with CNVs from control populations. In summary, our analysis of AutDB CNV data provides valuable insights into the genomic characteristics of ASD susceptibility CNV loci and could therefore be utilized in various clinical settings and facilitate future genetic research of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idan Menashe
- MindSpec, McLean, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- * E-mail: (IM); (SB)
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Tavares IA, Touma D, Lynham S, Troakes C, Schober M, Causevic M, Garg R, Noble W, Killick R, Bodi I, Hanger DP, Morris JDH. Prostate-derived sterile 20-like kinases (PSKs/TAOKs) phosphorylate tau protein and are activated in tangle-bearing neurons in Alzheimer disease. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:15418-29. [PMID: 23585562 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.448183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer disease (AD), the microtubule-associated protein tau is highly phosphorylated and aggregates into characteristic neurofibrillary tangles. Prostate-derived sterile 20-like kinases (PSKs/TAOKs) 1 and 2, members of the sterile 20 family of kinases, have been shown to regulate microtubule stability and organization. Here we show that tau is a good substrate for PSK1 and PSK2 phosphorylation with mass spectrometric analysis of phosphorylated tau revealing more than 40 tau residues as targets of these kinases. Notably, phosphorylated residues include motifs located within the microtubule-binding repeat domain on tau (Ser-262, Ser-324, and Ser-356), sites that are known to regulate tau-microtubule interactions. PSK catalytic activity is enhanced in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus, areas of the brain that are most susceptible to Alzheimer pathology, in comparison with the cerebellum, which is relatively spared. Activated PSK is associated with neurofibrillary tangles, dystrophic neurites surrounding neuritic plaques, neuropil threads, and granulovacuolar degeneration bodies in AD brain. By contrast, activated PSKs and phosphorylated tau are rarely detectible in immunostained control human brain. Our results demonstrate that tau is a substrate for PSK and suggest that this family of kinases could contribute to the development of AD pathology and dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignatius A Tavares
- Division of Cancer Studies, King's College London, New Hunt's House, Guy's Campus, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 1UL, London
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Libert S, Guarente L. Metabolic and neuropsychiatric effects of calorie restriction and sirtuins. Annu Rev Physiol 2012; 75:669-84. [PMID: 23043250 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-physiol-030212-183800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Most living organisms, including humans, age. Over time the ability to do physical and intellectual work deteriorates, and susceptibility to infectious, metabolic, and neurodegenerative diseases increases, which leads to general fitness decline and ultimately to death. Work in model organisms has demonstrated that genetic and environmental manipulations can prevent numerous age-associated diseases, improve health at advanced age, and increase life span. Calorie restriction (CR) (consumption of a diet with fewer calories but containing all the essential nutrients) is the most robust manipulation, genetic or environmental, to extend longevity and improve health parameters in laboratory animals. However, outside of the protected laboratory environment, the effects of CR are much less certain. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of CR may lead to the development of novel therapies to combat diseases of aging and to improve the quality of life. Sirtuins, a family of NAD(+)-dependent enzymes, mediate a number of metabolic and behavioral responses to CR and are intriguing targets for pharmaceutical interventions. We review the molecular understanding of CR; the role of sirtuins in CR; and the effects of sirtuins on physiology, mood, and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiy Libert
- Glenn Laboratory for the Science of Aging, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.
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45
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Animal models of psychiatric disorders that reflect human copy number variation. Neural Plast 2012; 2012:589524. [PMID: 22900207 PMCID: PMC3414062 DOI: 10.1155/2012/589524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2012] [Revised: 06/11/2012] [Accepted: 06/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of genetic technologies has led to the identification of several copy number variations (CNVs) in the human genome. Genome rearrangements affect dosage-sensitive gene expression in normal brain development. There is strong evidence associating human psychiatric disorders, especially autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia to genetic risk factors and accumulated CNV risk loci. Deletions in 1q21, 3q29, 15q13, 17p12, and 22q11, as well as duplications in 16p11, 16p13, and 15q11-13 have been reported as recurrent CNVs in ASD and/or schizophrenia. Chromosome engineering can be a useful technology to reflect human diseases in animal models, especially CNV-based psychiatric disorders. This system, based on the Cre/loxP strategy, uses large chromosome rearrangement such as deletion, duplication, inversion, and translocation. Although it is hard to reflect human pathophysiology in animal models, some aspects of molecular pathways, brain anatomy, cognitive, and behavioral phenotypes can be addressed. Some groups have created animal models of psychiatric disorders, ASD, and schizophrenia, which are based on human CNV. These mouse models display some brain anatomical and behavioral abnormalities, providing insight into human neuropsychiatric disorders that will contribute to novel drug screening for these devastating disorders.
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Luo R, Sanders S, Tian Y, Voineagu I, Huang N, Chu S, Klei L, Cai C, Ou J, Lowe J, Hurles M, Devlin B, State M, Geschwind D. Genome-wide transcriptome profiling reveals the functional impact of rare de novo and recurrent CNVs in autism spectrum disorders. Am J Hum Genet 2012; 91:38-55. [PMID: 22726847 PMCID: PMC3397271 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2012.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Copy-number variants (CNVs) are a major contributor to the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), but the functional impact of CNVs remains largely unexplored. Because brain tissue is not available from most samples, we interrogated gene expression in lymphoblasts from 244 families with discordant siblings in the Simons Simplex Collection in order to identify potentially pathogenic variation. Our results reveal that the overall frequency of significantly misexpressed genes (which we refer to here as outliers) identified in probands and unaffected siblings does not differ. However, in probands, but not their unaffected siblings, the group of outlier genes is significantly enriched in neural-related pathways, including neuropeptide signaling, synaptogenesis, and cell adhesion. We demonstrate that outlier genes cluster within the most pathogenic CNVs (rare de novo CNVs) and can be used for the prioritization of rare CNVs of potentially unknown significance. Several nonrecurrent CNVs with significant gene-expression alterations are identified (these include deletions in chromosomal regions 3q27, 3p13, and 3p26 and duplications at 2p15), suggesting that these are potential candidate ASD loci. In addition, we identify distinct expression changes in 16p11.2 microdeletions, 16p11.2 microduplications, and 7q11.23 duplications, and we show that specific genes within the 16p CNV interval correlate with differences in head circumference, an ASD-relevant phenotype. This study provides evidence that pathogenic structural variants have a functional impact via transcriptome alterations in ASDs at a genome-wide level and demonstrates the utility of integrating gene expression with mutation data for the prioritization of genes disrupted by potentially pathogenic mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Luo
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Stephan J. Sanders
- Program on Neurogenetics, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Program on Human Genetics and Genomics, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yuan Tian
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Interdepartmental PhD Program in Bioinformatics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Irina Voineagu
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ni Huang
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Su H. Chu
- Department of Statistics, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Lambertus Klei
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Chaochao Cai
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jing Ou
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jennifer K. Lowe
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | | | - Bernie Devlin
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Matthew W. State
- Program on Neurogenetics, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Program on Human Genetics and Genomics, Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Daniel H. Geschwind
- Department of Human Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Center for Autism Research and Treatment, Semel Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Neurogenetics Program, Department of Neurology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Silverman JL, Smith DG, Sukoff Rizzo SJ, Karras MN, Turner SM, Tolu SS, Bryce DK, Smith DL, Fonseca K, Ring RH, Crawley JN. Negative allosteric modulation of the mGluR5 receptor reduces repetitive behaviors and rescues social deficits in mouse models of autism. Sci Transl Med 2012; 4:131ra51. [PMID: 22539775 PMCID: PMC4904784 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3003501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and fragile X syndrome were long thought to be medically untreatable, on the assumption that brain dysfunctions were immutably hardwired before diagnosis. Recent revelations that many cases of autism are caused by mutations in genes that control the ongoing formation and maturation of synapses have challenged this dogma. Antagonists of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGluR5), which modulate excitatory neurotransmission, are in clinical trials for fragile X syndrome, a major genetic cause of intellectual disabilities. About 30% of patients with fragile X syndrome meet the diagnostic criteria for autism. Reasoning by analogy, we considered the mGluR5 receptor as a potential target for intervention in autism. We used BTBR T+tf/J (BTBR) mice, an established model with robust behavioral phenotypes relevant to the three diagnostic behavioral symptoms of autism--unusual social interactions, impaired communication, and repetitive behaviors--to probe the efficacy of a selective negative allosteric modulator of the mGluR5 receptor, GRN-529. GRN-529 reduced repetitive behaviors in three cohorts of BTBR mice at doses that did not induce sedation in control assays of open field locomotion. In addition, the same nonsedating doses reduced the spontaneous stereotyped jumping that characterizes a second inbred strain of mice, C58/J. Further, GRN-529 partially reversed the striking lack of sociability in BTBR mice on some parameters of social approach and reciprocal social interactions. These findings raise the possibility that a single targeted pharmacological intervention may alleviate multiple diagnostic behavioral symptoms of autism.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Blood-Brain Barrier/metabolism
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/metabolism
- Brain/physiopathology
- Capillary Permeability
- Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/drug therapy
- Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/metabolism
- Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/physiopathology
- Child Development Disorders, Pervasive/psychology
- Child, Preschool
- Disease Models, Animal
- Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists/blood
- Excitatory Amino Acid Antagonists/pharmacology
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Receptor, Metabotropic Glutamate 5
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Metabotropic Glutamate/metabolism
- Sleep/drug effects
- Social Behavior
- Stereotyped Behavior
- Time Factors
- Video Recording
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill L. Silverman
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892–3730, USA
| | - Daniel G. Smith
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | | | - Michael N. Karras
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892–3730, USA
| | - Sarah M. Turner
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892–3730, USA
| | - Seda S. Tolu
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892–3730, USA
| | - Dianne K. Bryce
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Deborah L. Smith
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Kari Fonseca
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Robert H. Ring
- Pfizer Worldwide Research and Development, Groton, CT 06340, USA
| | - Jacqueline N. Crawley
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, MD 20892–3730, USA
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Degenhardt F, Priebe L, Herms S, Mattheisen M, Mühleisen TW, Meier S, Moebus S, Strohmaier J, Groß M, Breuer R, Lange C, Hoffmann P, Meyer-Lindenberg A, Heinz A, Walter H, Lucae S, Wolf C, Müller-Myhsok B, Holsboer F, Maier W, Rietschel M, Nöthen MM, Cichon S. Association between copy number variants in 16p11.2 and major depressive disorder in a German case-control sample. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2012; 159B:263-73. [PMID: 22344817 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 01/24/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The majority of genetic risk factors for major depressive disorder (MDD) still await identification. Since copy number variants (CNVs) have been implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders, the question arises as to whether CNVs also play a role in MDD. We performed a genome-wide CNV study using Illumina's SNP array data from 604 MDD patients and 1,643 controls. Putative CNVs were detected with the CNV algorithms QuantiSNP and PennCNV. CNVs with ≥30 consecutive SNPs and a log Bayes Factor/confidence value of ≥30 were statistically analyzed using PLINK. Further analyses and technical verification were only performed in the case of regions for which CNV calls from both programs showed nominal significance. Set-based tests were used to test whether common variants in the CNV regions showed association in two GWAS datasets of MDD. CNVs from four chromosomal regions were associated with MDD. The following were more frequent in patients than controls: microdeletions in 7p21.3 (P = 0.033) and 18p11.32 (P = 0.030); microduplications in 15q26.3 (P = 0.033); and the combination of microdeletion/duplications in 16p11.2 (P ≤ 0.018). SNPs in CNV region 16p11.2 showed significant association in a set-based test (P = 0.026). Microdeletions/duplications in 16p11.2 are the most promising CNVs, since these affect genes and CNVs in this region have been implicated in other neuropsychiatric disorders. The association finding for common SNPs provides further support for the hypothesis that this region is involved in the development of MDD. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Abstract
Array-based genome-wide segmental aneuploidy screening detects both de novo and inherited copy number variations (CNVs). In sporadic patients de novo CNVs are interpreted as potentially pathogenic. However, a deletion, transmitted from a healthy parent, may be pathogenic if it overlaps with a mutated second allele inherited from the other healthy parent. To detect such events, we performed multiplex enrichment and next-generation sequencing of the entire coding sequence of all genes within unique hemizygous deletion regions in 20 patients (1.53 Mb capture footprint). Out of the detected 703 non-synonymous single-nucleotide variants (SNVs), 8 represented variants being unmasked by a hemizygous deletion. Although evaluation of inheritance patterns, Grantham matrix scores, evolutionary conservation and bioinformatic predictions did not consistently indicate pathogenicity of these variants, no definitive conclusions can be drawn without functional validation. However, in one patient with severe mental retardation, lack of speech, microcephaly, cheilognathopalatoschisis and bilateral hearing loss, we discovered a second smaller deletion, inherited from the other healthy parent, resulting in loss of both alleles of the highly conserved heat shock factor binding protein 1 (HSBP1) gene. Conceivably, inherited deletions may unmask rare pathogenic variants that may exert a phenotypic impact through a recessive mode of gene action.
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Delahaye A, Bitoun P, Drunat S, Gérard-Blanluet M, Chassaing N, Toutain A, Verloes A, Gatelais F, Legendre M, Faivre L, Passemard S, Aboura A, Kaltenbach S, Quentin S, Dupont C, Tabet AC, Amselem S, Elion J, Gressens P, Pipiras E, Benzacken B. Genomic imbalances detected by array-CGH in patients with syndromal ocular developmental anomalies. Eur J Hum Genet 2012; 20:527-33. [PMID: 22234157 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2011.233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
In 65 patients, who had unexplained ocular developmental anomalies (ODAs) with at least one other birth defect and/or intellectual disability, we performed oligonucleotide comparative genome hybridisation-based microarray analysis (array-CGH; 105A or 180K, Agilent Technologies). In four patients, array-CGH identified clinically relevant deletions encompassing a gene known to be involved in ocular development (FOXC1 or OTX2). In four other patients, we found three pathogenic deletions not classically associated with abnormal ocular morphogenesis, namely, del(17)(p13.3p13.3), del(10)(p14p15.3), and del(16)(p11.2p11.2). We also detected copy number variations of uncertain pathogenicity in two other patients. Rearranged segments ranged in size from 0.04 to 5.68 Mb. These results show that array-CGH provides a high diagnostic yield (15%) in patients with syndromal ODAs and can identify previously unknown chromosomal regions associated with these conditions. In addition to their importance for diagnosis and genetic counselling, these data may help identify genes involved in ocular development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrée Delahaye
- AP-HP, Hôpital Jean Verdier, Service d'Histologie, Embryologie, et Cytogénétique, Bondy, France.
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