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Francisco AA, Foxe JJ, Molholm S. Event-related potential (ERP) markers of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and associated psychosis. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:19. [PMID: 37328766 PMCID: PMC10273715 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09487-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a multisystemic disorder characterized by a wide range of clinical features, ranging from life-threatening to less severe conditions. One-third of individuals with the deletion live with mild to moderate intellectual disability; approximately 60% meet criteria for at least one psychiatric condition.22q11.2DS has become an important model for several medical, developmental, and psychiatric disorders. We have been particularly interested in understanding the risk for psychosis in this population: Approximately 30% of the individuals with the deletion go on to develop schizophrenia. The characterization of cognitive and neural differences between those individuals who develop schizophrenia and those who do not, despite being at genetic risk, holds important promise in what pertains to the clarification of paths to disease and to the development of tools for early identification and intervention.Here, we review our previous event-related potential (ERP) findings as potential markers for 22q11.2DS and the associated risk for psychosis, while discussing others' work. We focus on auditory processing (auditory-evoked potentials, auditory adaptation, and auditory sensory memory), visual processing (visual-evoked potentials and visual adaptation), and inhibition and error monitoring.The findings discussed suggest basic mechanistic and disease process effects on neural processing in 22q11.2DS that are present in both early sensory and later cognitive processing, with possible implications for phenotype. In early sensory processes, both during auditory and visual processing, two mechanisms that impact neural responses in opposite ways seem to coexist-one related to the deletion, which increases brain responses; another linked to psychosis, decreasing neural activity. Later, higher-order cognitive processes may be equally relevant as markers for psychosis. More specifically, we argue that components related to error monitoring may hold particular promise in the study of risk for schizophrenia in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana A Francisco
- Department of Pediatrics, The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - John J Foxe
- Department of Pediatrics, The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, The Frederick J. and Marion A, Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monde Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- Department of Pediatrics, The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, The Frederick J. and Marion A, Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, The Ernest J. Del Monde Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Fiksinski AM, Hoftman GD, Vorstman JAS, Bearden CE. A genetics-first approach to understanding autism and schizophrenia spectrum disorders: the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:341-353. [PMID: 36192458 PMCID: PMC9812786 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01783-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Recently, increasing numbers of rare pathogenic genetic variants have been identified that are associated with variably elevated risks of a range of neurodevelopmental outcomes, notably including Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSD), and Intellectual Disability (ID). This review is organized along three main questions: First, how can we unify the exclusively descriptive basis of our current psychiatric diagnostic classification system with the recognition of an identifiable, highly penetrant genetic risk factor in an increasing proportion of patients with ASD or SSD? Second, what can be learned from studies of individuals with ASD or SSD who share a common genetic basis? And third, what accounts for the observed variable penetrance and pleiotropy of neuropsychiatric phenotypes in individuals with the same pathogenic variant? In this review, we focus on findings of clinical and preclinical studies of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). This particular variant is not only one of the most common among the increasing list of known rare pathogenic variants, but also one that benefits from a relatively long research history. Consequently, 22q11DS is an appealing model as it allows us to: (1) elucidate specific genotype-phenotype associations, (2) prospectively study behaviorally defined classifications, such as ASD or SSD, in the context of a known, well-characterized genetic basis, and (3) elucidate mechanisms underpinning variable penetrance and pleiotropy, phenomena with far-reaching ramifications for research and clinical practice. We discuss how findings from animal and in vitro studies relate to observations in human studies and can help elucidate factors, including genetic, environmental, and stochastic, that impact the expression of neuropsychiatric phenotypes in 22q11DS, and how this may inform mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental expression in the general population. We conclude with research priorities for the field, which may pave the way for novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ania M Fiksinski
- Department of Psychology and Department of Pediatrics, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Division of Mental Health, MHeNS, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gil D Hoftman
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacob A S Vorstman
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Research Institute, and Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Carrie E Bearden
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Mancini V, Rochas V, Seeber M, Grent-'t-Jong T, Rihs TA, Latrèche C, Uhlhaas PJ, Michel CM, Eliez S. Oscillatory Neural Signatures of Visual Perception Across Developmental Stages in Individuals With 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 92:407-418. [PMID: 35550793 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2022.02.961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Numerous behavioral studies have highlighted the contribution of visual perceptual deficits to the nonverbal cognitive profile of individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. However, the neurobiological processes underlying these widespread behavioral alterations are yet to be fully understood. Thus, in this paper, we investigated the role of neural oscillations toward visuoperceptual deficits to elucidate the neurobiology of sensory impairments in deletion carriers. METHODS We acquired 125 high-density electroencephalography recordings during a visual grating task in a group of 62 deletion carriers and 63 control subjects. Stimulus-elicited oscillatory responses were analyzed with 1) time-frequency analysis using wavelets decomposition at sensor and source level, 2) intertrial phase coherence, and 3) Granger causality connectivity in source space. Additional analyses examined the development of neural oscillations across age bins. RESULTS Deletion carriers had decreased theta-band (4-8 Hz) and gamma-band (58-68 Hz) spectral power compared with control subjects in response to the visual stimuli, with an absence of age-related increase of theta- and gamma-band responses. Moreover, adult deletion carriers had decreased gamma- and theta-band responses but increased alpha/beta desynchronization (10-25 Hz) that correlated with behavioral performance. Granger causality estimates reflected an increased frontal-occipital connectivity in the beta range (22-40 Hz). CONCLUSIONS Deletion carriers exhibited decreased theta- and gamma-band responses to visual stimuli, while alpha/beta desynchronization was preserved. Overall, the lack of age-related changes in deletion carriers implicates developmental impairments in circuit mechanisms underlying neural oscillations. The dissociation between the maturation of theta/gamma- and alpha/beta-band responses may indicate a selective impairment in supragranular cortical layers, leading to compensatory top-down connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Mancini
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Vincent Rochas
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Human Neuroscience Platform, Fondation Campus Biotech Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Martin Seeber
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Tineke Grent-'t-Jong
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tonia A Rihs
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Caren Latrèche
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Peter J Uhlhaas
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Charité Universitätsmedizin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph M Michel
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Center for Biomedical Imaging, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
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Francisco AA, Foxe JJ, Horsthuis DJ, Molholm S. Early visual processing and adaptation as markers of disease, not vulnerability: EEG evidence from 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, a population at high risk for schizophrenia. SCHIZOPHRENIA (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 8:28. [PMID: 35314711 PMCID: PMC8938446 DOI: 10.1038/s41537-022-00240-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
We investigated visual processing and adaptation in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS), a condition characterized by an increased risk for schizophrenia. Visual processing differences have been described in schizophrenia but remain understudied early in the disease course. Electrophysiology was recorded during a visual adaptation task with different interstimulus intervals to investigate visual processing and adaptation in 22q11.2DS (with (22q+) and without (22q−) psychotic symptoms), compared to control and idiopathic schizophrenia groups. Analyses focused on early windows of visual processing. While increased amplitudes were observed in 22q11.2DS in an earlier time window (90–140 ms), decreased responses were seen later (165–205 ms) in schizophrenia and 22q+. 22q11.2DS, and particularly 22q−, presented increased adaptation effects. We argue that while amplitude and adaptation in the earlier time window may reflect specific neurogenetic aspects associated with a deletion in chromosome 22, amplitude in the later window may be a marker of the presence of psychosis and/or of its chronicity/severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana A Francisco
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.,The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, The Ernest J. Del Monde Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Douwe J Horsthuis
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA. .,The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, The Ernest J. Del Monde Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Namavar Y, Duineveld DJ, Both GIA, Fiksinski AM, Vorstman JAS, Verhoeven-Duif NM, Zinkstok JR. Psychiatric phenotypes associated with hyperprolinemia: A systematic review. Am J Med Genet B Neuropsychiatr Genet 2021; 186:289-317. [PMID: 34302426 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Hyperprolinemia Type I and II are genetic metabolic disorders caused by disrupted proline degradation. It has been suggested that hyperprolinemia is associated with increased risk of developmental and mental disorders but detailed information on the psychiatric phenotype in hyperprolinemic patients is limited. Following PRISMA guidelines, we carried out a systematic review to clarify psychiatric phenotypes in patients with hyperprolinemia. We screened 1753 studies and included 35 for analysis, including 20 case reports and 15 case-control and cohort studies. From these studies, a common psychiatric phenotype is observed with a high prevalence of developmental delay, intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorders, and psychosis spectrum disorders. In most cases, a genetic cause of hyperprolinemia was known, these included mutations in the PRODH and ALDH4A1 genes and deletions of chromosome 22q11.2. No evidence for a biochemical phenotype-clinical phenotype correlation was found; that is, no association between higher proline levels and specific psychiatric phenotypes was observed. This suggests that genomic and environmental factors are likely to contribute to clinical outcomes. More studies are needed to clarify whether hyperprolinemia is a primary causal factor underlying the increased risk of developing psychiatric disorders seen in patients with hyperprolinemia, or whether hyperprolinemia and psychiatric disorders are both consequences of a shared underlying mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Namavar
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam UMC Location AMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Denise Joanne Duineveld
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ania Maria Fiksinski
- Department of Psychiatry and Brain Center, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,The Dalglish Family 22q Clinic for 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacob Abraham Schrey Vorstman
- Program in Genetics and Genome Biology, Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nanda Margriet Verhoeven-Duif
- Section of Metabolic Diagnostics, Department of Genetics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Vingerhoets C, Tse DHY, van Oudenaren M, Hernaus D, van Duin E, Zinkstok J, Ramaekers JG, Jansen JFA, McAlonan G, van Amelsvoort T. Glutamatergic and GABAergic reactivity and cognition in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome and healthy volunteers: A randomized double-blind 7-Tesla pharmacological MRS study. J Psychopharmacol 2020; 34:856-863. [PMID: 32448020 PMCID: PMC7376622 DOI: 10.1177/0269881120922977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is associated with impaired cognitive functioning. Glutamatergic pathways have been linked with cognition and are hypothesized to be disrupted in 22q11.2DS patients, possibly 'shifting' the excitatory (glutamate)/inhibitory (GABA) balance. Hence, the glutamate/GABA balance may constitute a target for pharmacological treatment. We aimed to examine alterations of glutamate/GABA metabolites in 22q11.2DS in vivo using riluzole, a compound with glutamate/GABA-modulating action, as pharmacological challenge. METHODS Seventeen 22q11.2DS patients and 20 matched healthy controls were enrolled in this randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover study. Glutamate and glutamine concentrations in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum, as well as ACC GABA concentrations were obtained after placebo and after a single dose of 50 mg riluzole using 7-Tesla magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). Within the 22q11.2DS group, the relationship between metabolite concentrations and cognition was examined. RESULTS No group differences were found in ACC and striatal metabolite concentrations following placebo. Riluzole numerically decreased ACC (η2= 0.094) but not striatal glutamate concentrations as well as ACC GABA concentrations (η2= 0.176) in all subjects. In both regions, riluzole did not alter glutamine concentration. No interaction effects were found. Although not significant after Bonferroni correction, ACC glutamate concentrations were inversely correlated with cognitive functions in 22q11.2DS patients. DISCUSSION We did not demonstrate altered ACC and striatal metabolite concentrations in 22q11.2DS. Nevertheless, these results suggest that glutamate and GABA can be modulated with a single dose of riluzole. Possibly, riluzole may have memory-enhancing effects in 22q11.2DS. Future studies should examine the long-term effects of riluzole on cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Vingerhoets
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Desmond HY Tse
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mathilde van Oudenaren
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Radiology & Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Location AMC, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Hernaus
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Esther van Duin
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Janneke Zinkstok
- Department of Psychiatry & UMC Utrecht Brain Center, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johannes G Ramaekers
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jacobus FA Jansen
- Department of Radiology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Grainne McAlonan
- The Sackler Institute for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Therese van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry & Neuropsychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Francisco AA, Horsthuis DJ, Popiel M, Foxe JJ, Molholm S. Atypical response inhibition and error processing in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome and schizophrenia: Towards neuromarkers of disease progression and risk. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2020; 27:102351. [PMID: 32731196 PMCID: PMC7390764 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (also known as DiGeorge syndrome or velo-cardio-facial syndrome) is characterized by increased vulnerability to neuropsychiatric symptoms, with approximately 30% of individuals with the deletion going on to develop schizophrenia. Clinically, deficits in executive function have been noted in this population, but the underlying neural processes are not well understood. Using a Go/No-Go response inhibition task in conjunction with high-density electrophysiological recordings (EEG), we sought to investigate the behavioral and neural dynamics of inhibition of a prepotent response (a critical component of executive function) in individuals with 22q11.2DS with and without psychotic symptoms, when compared to individuals with idiopathic schizophrenia and age-matched neurotypical controls. Twenty-eight participants diagnosed with 22q11.2DS (14-35 years old; 14 with at least one psychotic symptom), 15 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia (18-63 years old) and two neurotypical control groups (one age-matched to the 22q11.2DS sample, the other age-matched to the schizophrenia sample) participated in this study. Analyses focused on the N2 and P3 no-go responses and error-related negativity (Ne) and positivity (Pe). Atypical inhibitory processing was shown behaviorally and by significantly reduced P3, Ne, and Pe responses in 22q11.2DS and schizophrenia. Interestingly, whereas P3 was only reduced in the presence of psychotic symptoms, Ne and Pe were equally reduced in schizophrenia and 22q11.2DS, regardless of the presence of symptoms. We argue that while P3 may be a marker of disease severity, Ne and Pe might be candidate markers of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana A Francisco
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Douwe J Horsthuis
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maryann Popiel
- Department of Psychiatry, Jacobi Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, The Ernest J. Del Monde Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA; The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, The Ernest J. Del Monde Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Francisco AA, Foxe JJ, Horsthuis DJ, DeMaio D, Molholm S. Assessing auditory processing endophenotypes associated with Schizophrenia in individuals with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Transl Psychiatry 2020; 10:85. [PMID: 32139692 PMCID: PMC7058163 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-0764-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the strongest known molecular risk factor for schizophrenia. Brain responses to auditory stimuli have been studied extensively in schizophrenia and described as potential biomarkers of vulnerability to psychosis. We sought to understand whether these responses might aid in differentiating individuals with 22q11.2DS as a function of psychotic symptoms, and ultimately serve as signals of risk for schizophrenia. A duration oddball paradigm and high-density electrophysiology were used to test auditory processing in 26 individuals with 22q11.2DS (13-35 years old, 17 females) with varying degrees of psychotic symptomatology and in 26 age- and sex-matched neurotypical controls (NT). Presentation rate varied across three levels, to examine the effect of increasing demands on memory and the integrity of sensory adaptation. We tested whether N1 and mismatch negativity (MMN), typically reduced in schizophrenia, related to clinical/cognitive measures, and how they were affected by presentation rate. N1 adaptation effects interacted with psychotic symptomatology: Compared to an NT group, individuals with 22q11.2DS but no psychotic symptomatology presented larger adaptation effects, whereas those with psychotic symptomatology presented smaller effects. In contrast, individuals with 22q11.2DS showed increased effects of presentation rate on MMN amplitude, regardless of the presence of symptoms. While IQ and working memory were lower in the 22q11.2DS group, these measures did not correlate with the electrophysiological data. These findings suggest the presence of two distinct mechanisms: One intrinsic to 22q11.2DS resulting in increased N1 and MMN responses; another related to psychosis leading to a decreased N1 response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana A Francisco
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - John J Foxe
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, The Ernest J. Del Monde Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Douwe J Horsthuis
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Danielle DeMaio
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sophie Molholm
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Rose F. Kennedy Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- The Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, The Ernest J. Del Monde Institute for Neuroscience, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
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Vingerhoets C, Tse DHY, van Amelsvoort T. Riluzole effectively treats psychotic symptoms and improves cognition in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A clinical case. Eur J Med Genet 2019; 62:103705. [PMID: 31229682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2019.103705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is a genetic disorder caused by a hemizygous microdeletion on the long arm of chromosome 22 and is associated with a high risk for psychosis and cognitive impairment. One of the genes located in the deleted region of 22q11DS is Proline Dehydrogenase (PRODH) which is important for conversion of proline to glutamate. Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter and is involved in the pathophysiology of psychosis as well as in cognition. Excessive concentrations are toxic. Possibly, neuroprotective drugs modulating glutamatergic neurotransmission could be effective in treating psychotic symptoms and cognitive enhancement in patients with 22q11DS. Riluzole is a potent anti-glutamatergic drug that reduces glutamatergic neurotransmission. Here we report acute (single dose) and long-term effects of riluzole on glutamate and GABA levels in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum (measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy, 1H-MRS) as well as on psychotic symptoms and cognitive functioning in a medication-free 23-year old woman with 22q11DS. Patient presented with frequent auditory and visual hallucinations and mild paranoid ideas. The 1H-MRS measurements showed that after a single dose riluzole (50 mg), glutamate in the ACC and striatum was reduced whereas striatal GABA increased compared to baseline. Strikingly, hallucinations and paranoia disappeared. Therefore, riluzole treatment was initiated and patient was followed up after 18 months of treatment. At follow-up, patient reported no hallucinations or paranoia and several cognitive functions were improved. Furthermore, glutamate concentrations in the ACC and striatum decreased whereas GABA concentrations increased in the striatum but decreased in the ACC. These results suggests that riluzole may be an effective treatment option for psychotic symptoms and cognitive enhancement in 22q11DS. Results warrant replication in a bigger sample.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Vingerhoets
- Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Department of Nuclear Medicine, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Desmond H Y Tse
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Therese van Amelsvoort
- Maastricht University, Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Maastricht, the Netherlands
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Larsen KM, Dzafic I, Siebner HR, Garrido MI. Alteration of functional brain architecture in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome – Insights into susceptibility for psychosis. Neuroimage 2019; 190:154-171. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2018.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 08/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
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Lattanzi GM, Buzzanca A, Frascarelli M, Di Fabio F. Genetic and clinical features of social cognition in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. J Neurosci Res 2018; 96:1631-1640. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guido Maria Lattanzi
- Department of Human Neurosciences; Sapienza University; Rome 00185 Italy
- Department of Psychosis Studies; Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College; London SE5 8AF United Kingdom
| | - Antonino Buzzanca
- Department of Human Neurosciences; Sapienza University; Rome 00185 Italy
| | | | - Fabio Di Fabio
- Department of Human Neurosciences; Sapienza University; Rome 00185 Italy
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Dubourg L, Vrticka P, Debbané M, Chambaz L, Eliez S, Schneider M. Neural correlates of socio-emotional perception in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. J Neurodev Disord 2018; 10:13. [PMID: 29631546 PMCID: PMC5891973 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-018-9232-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Social impairments are described as a common feature of the 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). However, the neural correlates underlying these impairments are largely unknown in this population. In this study, we investigated neural substrates of socio-emotional perception. Methods We used event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore neural activity in individuals with 22q11DS and healthy controls during the visualization of stimuli varying in social (social or non-social) or emotional (positive or negative valence) content. Results Neural hyporesponsiveness in regions of the default mode network (inferior parietal lobule, precuneus, posterior and anterior cingulate cortex and frontal regions) in response to social versus non-social images was found in the 22q11DS population compared to controls. A similar pattern of activation for positive and negative emotional processing was observed in the two groups. No correlation between neural activation and social functioning was observed in patients with the 22q11DS. Finally, no social × valence interaction impairment was found in patients. Conclusions Our results indicate atypical neural correlates of social perception in 22q11DS that appear to be independent of valence processing. Abnormalities in the social perception network may lead to social impairments observed in 22q11DS individuals. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s11689-018-9232-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Dubourg
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Chemin des mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Pascal Vrticka
- Department of Social Neuroscience, Max Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Martin Debbané
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Chemin des mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Developmental Clinical Psychology Research Unit, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Léa Chambaz
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Chemin des mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Developmental Imaging and Psychopathology Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Chemin des mines 9, 1202, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, School of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maude Schneider
- Center for Contextual Psychiatry, Department of Neurosciences, Research Group Psychiatry, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Evidence that COMT genotype and proline interact on negative-symptom outcomes in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e891. [PMID: 27622935 PMCID: PMC5048199 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated peripheral proline is associated with psychiatric disorders, and there is evidence that proline is a neuromodulator. The proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) gene, which encodes the enzyme that catalyzes proline catabolism, maps to human chromosome 22q11.2, a region conferring risk of schizophrenia. In the Prodh-null mouse, an interaction between elevated peripheral proline and another 22q11.2 gene, catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), on neurotransmission and behavior has been reported. We explored the relationship between fasting plasma proline levels and COMT Val(158)Met genotype on symptoms (positive, negative and total) in schizophrenia patients. In an exploratory study we also examined symptom change in patients with bipolar disorder. There was a significant interaction between peripheral proline and COMT on negative symptoms in schizophrenia (P<0.0001, n=95). In COMT Val/Val patients, high proline was associated with low Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptom (SANS) scores. In contrast, high proline was associated with high SANS scores in patients carrying a Met allele. The relationship between proline and COMT also appears to modify negative symptoms across psychiatric illness. In bipolar disorder, a significant interaction was also observed on negative-symptom change (P=0.007, n=43). Negative symptoms are intractable and largely unaddressed by current medications. These data indicate a significant interaction between peripheral proline and COMT genotype, influencing negative symptoms in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. That high proline has converse effects on symptoms by COMT genotype, may have implications for therapeutic decisions.
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McCabe KL, Marlin S, Cooper G, Morris R, Schall U, Murphy DG, Murphy KC, Campbell LE. Visual perception and processing in children with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: associations with social cognition measures of face identity and emotion recognition. J Neurodev Disord 2016; 8:30. [PMID: 27536336 PMCID: PMC4988033 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-016-9164-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) have difficulty processing social information including facial identity and emotion processing. However, difficulties with visual and attentional processes may play a role in difficulties observed with these social cognitive skills. METHODS A cross-sectional study investigated visual perception and processing as well as facial processing abilities in a group of 49 children and adolescents with 22q11DS and 30 age and socio-economic status-matched healthy sibling controls using the Birmingham Object Recognition Battery and face processing sub-tests from the MRC face processing skills battery. RESULTS The 22q11DS group demonstrated poorer performance on all measures of visual perception and processing, with greatest impairment on perceptual processes relating to form perception as well as object recognition and memory. In addition, form perception was found to make a significant and unique contribution to higher order social-perceptual processing (face identity) in the 22q11DS group. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate evidence for impaired visual perception and processing capabilities in 22q11DS. In turn, these were found to influence cognitive skills needed for social processes such as facial identity recognition in the children with 22q11DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L McCabe
- Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia ; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA USA ; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stuart Marlin
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Gavin Cooper
- Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia ; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, Australia
| | - Robin Morris
- King's College Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Ulrich Schall
- Priority Research Centre for Brain and Mental Health Research, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia ; Schizophrenia Research Institute, Sydney, Australia ; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia
| | - Declan G Murphy
- King's College Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, London, UK
| | - Kieran C Murphy
- Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Linda E Campbell
- School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia ; Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, Australia ; Priority Research Centre GrowUpWell, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia ; School of Psychology, University of Newcastle, Science Offices, Ourimbah, NSW 2258 Australia
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15
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Biswas AB, Furniss F. Cognitive phenotype and psychiatric disorder in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome: A review. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2016; 53-54:242-257. [PMID: 26942704 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The behavioural phenotype of 22q11.2 deletion syndrome syndrome (22q11DS), one of the most common human multiple anomaly syndromes, frequently includes intellectual disability (ID) together with high risk of diagnosis of psychotic disorders including schizophrenia. Candidate cognitive endophenotypes include problems with retrieval of contextual information from memory and in executive control and focussing of attention. 22q11DS may offer a model of the relationship between ID and risk of psychiatric disorder. This paper reviews research on the relationship between the cognitive phenotype and the development of psychiatric disorders in 22q11DS. Aspects of cognitive function including verbal I.Q., visual memory, and executive function, are associated with mental health outcome in people with 22q11DS. This relationship may result from a common neurobiological basis for the cognitive difficulties and psychiatric disorders. Some of the cognitive difficulties experienced by people with 22q11DS, especially in attention, memory retrieval, and face processing, may, however, in themselves constitute risk factors for development of hallucinations and paranoid delusions. Future research into factors leading to psychiatric disorder in people with 22q11DS should include assessment of social and psychological factors including life events, symptoms associated with trauma, attachment, and self-esteem, which together with cognitive risk factors may mediate mental health outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asit B Biswas
- Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust & University of Leicester* Leicester Frith Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester LE3 9QF, UK.
| | - Frederick Furniss
- The Hesley Group* Doncaster* U.K. & University of Leicester, 104 Regent Road, Leicester LE1 7LT, UK.
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Hidding E, Swaab H, de Sonneville LMJ, van Engeland H, Vorstman JAS. The role of COMT and plasma proline in the variable penetrance of autistic spectrum symptoms in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Clin Genet 2016; 90:420-427. [PMID: 26919535 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 02/10/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This paper examines how COMT158 genotypes and plasma proline levels are associated with variable penetrance of social behavioural and social cognitive problems in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS). Severity of autistic spectrum symptoms of 45 participants with 22q11DS was assessed using the Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised. Face and facial emotion recognition was evaluated using standardized computer-based test-paradigms. Associations with COMT158 genotypes and proline levels were examined. High proline levels and poor face recognition in individuals with the COMTMET allele, and poor facial emotion recognition, explained almost 50% of the variance in severity of autism symptomatology in individuals with 22q11DS. High proline levels and a decreased capacity to break down dopamine as a result of the COMTMET variant are both relevant in the expression of the social phenotype in patients. This epistatic interaction effect between the COMT158 genotype and proline on the expression of social deficits in 22q11DS shows how factors other than the direct effects of the deletion itself can modulate the penetrance of associated cognitive and behavioural outcomes. These findings are not only relevant to our insight into 22q11DS, but also provide a model to better understand the phenomenon of variable penetrance in other pathogenic genetic variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hidding
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - H Swaab
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.,Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - L M J de Sonneville
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. .,Leiden Institute of Brain and Cognition, Leiden, The Netherlands .
| | - H van Engeland
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolph Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - J A S Vorstman
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolph Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common chromosomal microdeletion disorder, estimated to result mainly from de novo non-homologous meiotic recombination events occurring in approximately 1 in every 1,000 fetuses. The first description in the English language of the constellation of findings now known to be due to this chromosomal difference was made in the 1960s in children with DiGeorge syndrome, who presented with the clinical triad of immunodeficiency, hypoparathyroidism and congenital heart disease. The syndrome is now known to have a heterogeneous presentation that includes multiple additional congenital anomalies and later-onset conditions, such as palatal, gastrointestinal and renal abnormalities, autoimmune disease, variable cognitive delays, behavioural phenotypes and psychiatric illness - all far extending the original description of DiGeorge syndrome. Management requires a multidisciplinary approach involving paediatrics, general medicine, surgery, psychiatry, psychology, interventional therapies (physical, occupational, speech, language and behavioural) and genetic counselling. Although common, lack of recognition of the condition and/or lack of familiarity with genetic testing methods, together with the wide variability of clinical presentation, delays diagnosis. Early diagnosis, preferably prenatally or neonatally, could improve outcomes, thus stressing the importance of universal screening. Equally important, 22q11.2DS has become a model for understanding rare and frequent congenital anomalies, medical conditions, psychiatric and developmental disorders, and may provide a platform to better understand these disorders while affording opportunities for translational strategies across the lifespan for both patients with 22q11.2DS and those with these associated features in the general population.
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18
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de Koning MB, van Duin EDA, Boot E, Bloemen OJN, Bakker JA, Abel KM, van Amelsvoort TAMJ. PRODH rs450046 and proline x COMT Val¹⁵⁸ Met interaction effects on intelligence and startle in adults with 22q11 deletion syndrome. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3111-22. [PMID: 26068888 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3971-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) is associated with an increased risk for psychotic disorders, suggesting a relationship between genotypes and the pathophysiology of psychotic disorders. Two genes in the deleted region, catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) and proline dehydrogenase (oxidase) 1 (PRODH), contain polymorphisms associated with neuropsychiatric phenotypes. OBJECTIVES Here, we explored the association between polymorphisms and full-scale intelligence (FSIQ), startle reactivity (SR) and prepulse inhibition (PPI) in adults with 22q11DS. METHODS Forty-five adults with 22q11DS were genotyped for PRODH rs450046, rs372055 and COMT Val(158)Met. Plasma proline levels, FSIQ, SR and PPI were measured. RESULTS Thirty-five percent of the subjects were hyperprolinemic with a median proline value of 456 μmol/L. C allele carriers of PRODH rs450046 had a lower FSIQ compared to T allele carriers, indicating the C allele to be a risk allele (C allele: mean FSIQ 60.2 (sd 8.7); T allele: mean FSIQ 73.7 (sd 11.5); F 1,43 = 7.59; p = 0.009; partial η (2) = 0.15). A significant interaction effect of proline levels and COMT Val(158)Met genotype was found for SR (F 1,16 = 7.9; p = 0.01; partial η (2) = 0.33), but not for PPI and FSIQ. In subjects with hyperprolinemia, the COMT Val(158)Met genotype effect on SR was stronger than in subjects with normal proline levels. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these data provide further evidence for the risk effect of elevated proline levels combined with the COMT Met allele and support the possibilities of using 22q11DS as a model to investigate genotype effects on psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariken B de Koning
- Arkin Mental Health Care, Baron G.A. Tindalstraat 27, 1019 TS, Amsterdam, The Netherlands,
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Association between autism spectrum disorder in individuals with velocardiofacial (22q11.2 deletion) syndrome and PRODH and COMT genotypes. Psychiatr Genet 2015; 24:269-72. [PMID: 25325218 DOI: 10.1097/ypg.0000000000000062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Velocardiofacial (VCFS; 22q11.2 deletion) syndrome is a genetic disorder that results from a hemizygous deletion of the q11.2 region on chromosome 22, and is associated with greatly increased risk for psychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia. There is emerging evidence for the involvement of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and proline dehydrogenase (oxidase) 1 (PRODH) in the psychiatric phenotype of individuals with VCFS. Here, we tested the hypothesis that PRODH and COMT are associated with ASD in youths with VCFS. We found that individuals with VCFS and the low-activity alleles of both PRODH and COMT (rs4819756A and rs4680A) were more likely to present with ASD as compared with individuals with VCFS and the high-activity alleles of these genes [P<0.05; odds ratio=6.0 (95% confidence interval=1.27-28.26; N=87)]. Our results suggest that PRODH and COMT may interact to contribute to the ASD phenotype in individuals with VCFS.
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Vorstman JA, Breetvelt EJ, Duijff SN, Eliez S, Schneider M, Jalbrzikowski M, Armando M, Vicari S, Shashi V, Hooper SR, Chow EW, Fung WLA, Butcher NJ, Young DA, McDonald-McGinn DM, Vogels A, van Amelsvoort T, Gothelf D, Weinberger R, Weizman A, Klaassen PWJ, Koops S, Kates WR, Antshel KM, Simon TJ, Ousley OY, Swillen A, Gur RE, Bearden CE, Kahn RS, Bassett AS. Cognitive decline preceding the onset of psychosis in patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. JAMA Psychiatry 2015; 72:377-85. [PMID: 25715178 PMCID: PMC4383767 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.2671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) have an elevated (25%) risk of developing schizophrenia. Recent reports have suggested that a subgroup of children with 22q11DS display a substantial decline in cognitive abilities starting at a young age. OBJECTIVE To determine whether early cognitive decline is associated with risk of psychotic disorder in 22q11DS. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Prospective longitudinal cohort study. As part of an international research consortium initiative, we used the largest data set of intelligence (IQ) measurements in patients with 22q11DS reported to date to investigate longitudinal IQ trajectories and the risk of subsequent psychotic illness. A total of 829 patients with a confirmed hemizygous 22q11.2 deletion, recruited through 12 international clinical research sites, were included. Both psychiatric assessments and longitudinal IQ measurements were available for a subset of 411 patients (388 with ≥1 assessment at age 8-24 years). MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder, initial IQ, longitudinal IQ trajectory, and timing of the last psychiatric assessment with respect to the last IQ test. RESULTS Among 411 patients with 22q11DS, 55 (13.4%) were diagnosed as having a psychotic disorder. The mean (SD) age at the most recent psychiatric assessment was 16.1 (6.2) years. The mean (SD) full-scale IQ at first cognitive assessment was lower in patients who developed a psychotic disorder (65.5 [12.0]) compared with those without a psychotic disorder (74.0 [14.0]). On average, children with 22q11DS showed a mild decline in IQ (full-scale IQ, 7.04 points) with increasing age, particularly in the domain of verbal IQ (9.02 points). In those who developed psychotic illness, this decline was significantly steeper (P < .001). Those with a negative deviation from the average cognitive trajectory observed in 22q11DS were at significantly increased risk for the development of a psychotic disorder (odds ratio = 2.49; 95% CI, 1.24-5.00; P = .01). The divergence of verbal IQ trajectories between those who subsequently developed a psychotic disorder and those who did not was distinguishable from age 11 years onward. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In 22q11DS, early cognitive decline is a robust indicator of the risk of developing a psychotic illness. These findings mirror those observed in idiopathic schizophrenia. The results provide further support for investigations of 22q11DS as a genetic model for elucidating neurobiological mechanisms underlying the development of psychosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A.S. Vorstman
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Elemi J Breetvelt
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sasja N. Duijff
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan Eliez
- Office Médico-Pédagogique Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maude Schneider
- Office Médico-Pédagogique Research Unit, Department of Psychiatry, University of Geneva School of Medicine, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maria Jalbrzikowski
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Marco Armando
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome
| | - Vandana Shashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, United States
| | - Stephen R. Hooper
- Departments of Psychiatry and Allied Health Sciences, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States
| | - Eva W.C. Chow
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wai Lun Alan Fung
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Dalglish Family Hearts and Minds Clinic for Adults with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, Toronto General Research Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nancy J. Butcher
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donald A. Young
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Donna M. McDonald-McGinn
- Division of Human Genetics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
| | | | - Therese van Amelsvoort
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Doron Gothelf
- The Behavioral Neurogenetics Center, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Ronnie Weinberger
- The Behavioral Neurogenetics Center, The Edmond and Lily Safra Children’s Hospital, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer 52621, Israel
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Abraham Weizman
- The Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
- Felsenstein Medical Research Center and Geha Mental Health Center, Petah Tikva 49202, Israel
| | - Petra WJ Klaassen
- Department of Pediatric Psychology, Wilhelmina Children’s Hospital, University Medical Center, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Koops
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wendy R. Kates
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - Kevin M. Antshel
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, State University of New York at Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Psychology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, New York, United States
| | - Tony J. Simon
- MIND Institute and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Opal Y. Ousley
- Emory University School of Medicine, Emory Autism Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, 1551 Shoup Court, 30322 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
| | - Ann Swillen
- Center for Human Genetics, KU Leuven, Belgium
| | - Raquel E. Gur
- Perelman School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, United States
| | - Carrie E. Bearden
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, United States
| | - René S. Kahn
- Department of Psychiatry, Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Anne S. Bassett
- Clinical Genetics Research Program, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- The Dalglish Family Hearts and Minds Clinic for Adults with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome, Toronto General Research Institute and Department of Psychiatry, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Huertas-Rodríguez CK, Payán-Gómez C, Forero-Castro RM. [22q11.2DS Syndrome as a Genetic Subtype of Schizophrenia]. REVISTA COLOMBIANA DE PSIQUIATRIA 2015; 44:50-60. [PMID: 26578219 DOI: 10.1016/j.rcp.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is associated with the microdeletion of this chromosomal region, and represents the second most common genetic syndrome after Down's syndrome. In patients with schizophrenia, 22q11.2DS has a prevalence of 2%, and in selected groups can be increased to between 32-53%. OBJECTIVE To describe the generalities of 22q11.2DS syndrome as a genetic subtype of schizophrenia, its clinical characteristics, molecular genetic aspects, and frequency in different populations. METHODS A review was performed from 1967 to 2013 in scientific databases, compiling articles about 22q11.2DS syndrome and its association with schizophrenia. RESULTS The 22q11.2 DS syndrome has a variable phenotype associated with other genetic syndromes, birth defects in many tissues and organs, and a high rate of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia. Likewise, it has been identified in clinical populations with schizophrenia selected by the presence of common syndromic characteristics. FISH, qPCR and MLPA techniques, and recently, aCGH and NGS technologies, are being used to diagnose this microdeletion. CONCLUSIONS It is important in clinical practice to remember that people suffering the 22q11.2DS have a high genetic risk for developing schizophrenia, and it is considered that the simultaneous presence of this disease and 22q11.2DS represents a genetic subtype of schizophrenia. There are clear phenotypic criteria, molecular and cytogenetic methods to diagnose this group of patients, and to optimize a multidisciplinary approach in their monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Katherin Huertas-Rodríguez
- Bióloga, Grupo de Estudios en Genética y Biología Molecular (GEBIMOL), Facultad de Ciencias, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia (UPTC), Tunja, Colombia.
| | - César Payán-Gómez
- Médico Magíster en Genética Humana, Unidad de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Matemáticas, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Ruth Maribel Forero-Castro
- Licenciada en Biología, Magíster en Ciencias Biológicas con énfasis en Genética Humana, Máster en Biología y Clínica del Cáncer, Profesora Asistente de la Facultad de Ciencias, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Grupo de Estudios en Genética y Biología Molecular (GEBIMOL), Universidad Pedagógica y Tecnológica de Colombia, Tunja, Colombia
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Evers LJM, van Amelsvoort TAMJ, Bakker JA, de Koning M, Drukker M, Curfs LMG. Glutamatergic markers, age, intellectual functioning and psychosis in 22q11 deletion syndrome. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3319-25. [PMID: 26055684 PMCID: PMC4537490 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3979-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Patients with 22q11 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) have a high prevalence of intellectual disabilities and psychiatric disorders, including psychosis. Haplo-insufficiency of genes in the deleted region may offer a partial explanation for the increased vulnerability for psychosis and intellectual disability. One gene of particular interest is the gene coding for proline dehydrogenase (PRODH), an enzyme responsible for the conversion of proline into glutamate. OBJECTIVES Because abnormalities in glutamatergic signaling are thought to be responsible for cognition and psychosis in the general population, we hypothesized that PRODH haplo-insufficiency may underlie some of the cognitive and psychotic features seen in 22q11DS. METHODS In this explorative study, we investigated the relation between plasma proline, glutamate, and glutamine and age, intelligence, and psychosis in 64 adults with 22q11DS. RESULTS Hyperprolinemia was found in 31.3% of subjects with 22q11DS. A relation between glutamine, glutamate, proline, and presence of psychosis was not observed. Regression analysis revealed a positive relation between plasma glutamate and age, a positive relation of glutamate with antipsychotic drugs, a relation of glutamine and gender, and a positive relation of glutamine and mood stabilizing drugs, and a negative relation of the ratio glutamine/glutamate and age. The group with relatively lower IQ had higher glutamate levels compared to the group with relatively higher IQ. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that 22q11DS is accompanied by abnormalities in glutamatergic metabolism. Future longitudinal studies are needed to further investigate the glutamatergic system in 22q11DS and how this affects the development of cognitive problems and psychopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurens J. M. Evers
- />Koraalgroup, MFCG, Panheelderweg 3, 6097 AH Heel, The Netherlands , />Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Therese A. M. J. van Amelsvoort
- />Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience MHeNS, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands , />Mondriaan Mental Healthcare, Heerlen, The Netherlands , />Virenze Mental Healthcare, Gronsveld, The Netherlands
| | - Jaap A. Bakker
- />Department Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands , />Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mariken de Koning
- />Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands , />Arkin Mental Health Care, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marjan Drukker
- />Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience MHeNS, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Leopold M. G. Curfs
- />Governor Kremers Centre, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands , />Department Clinical Genetics, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands , />CAPHRI, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands , />GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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23
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Kikinis Z, Makris N, Finn CT, Bouix S, Lucia D, Coleman MJ, Tworog-Dube E, Kikinis R, Kucherlapati R, Shenton ME, Kubicki M. Genetic contributions to changes of fiber tracts of ventral visual stream in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Brain Imaging Behav 2014; 7:316-25. [PMID: 23612843 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-013-9232-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) represent a population at high risk for developing schizophrenia, as well as learning disabilities. Deficits in visuo-spatial memory are thought to underlie some of the cognitive disabilities. Neuronal substrates of visuo-spatial memory include the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus (IFOF) and the inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF), two tracts that comprise the ventral visual stream. Diffusion Tensor Magnetic Resonance Imaging (DT-MRI) is an established method to evaluate white matter (WM) connections in vivo. DT-MRI scans of nine 22q11.2DS young adults and nine matched healthy subjects were acquired. Tractography of the IFOF and the ILF was performed. DT-MRI indices, including Fractional anisotropy (FA, measure of WM changes), axial diffusivity (AD, measure of axonal changes) and radial diffusivity (RD, measure of myelin changes) of each of the tracts and each group were measured and compared. The 22q11.2DS group showed statistically significant reductions of FA in IFOF in the left hemisphere. Additionally, reductions of AD were found in the IFOF and the ILF in both hemispheres. These findings might be the consequence of axonal changes, which is possibly due to fewer, thinner, or less organized fibers. No changes in RD were detected in any of the tracts delineated, which is in contrast to findings in schizophrenia patients where increases in RD are believed to be indicative of demyelination. We conclude that reduced axonal changes may be key to understanding the underlying pathology of WM leading to the visuo-spatial phenotype in 22q11.2DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zora Kikinis
- Psychiatry Neuroimaging Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, 1249 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA,
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Jonas RK, Montojo CA, Bearden CE. The 22q11.2 deletion syndrome as a window into complex neuropsychiatric disorders over the lifespan. Biol Psychiatry 2014; 75:351-60. [PMID: 23992925 PMCID: PMC3875621 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2013] [Revised: 06/21/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Evidence is rapidly accumulating that rare, recurrent copy number variants represent large effect risk factors for neuropsychiatric disorders. 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS) (velocardiofacial syndrome or DiGeorge syndrome) is the most common known contiguous gene deletion syndrome and is associated with diverse neuropsychiatric disorders across the life span. One of the most intriguing aspects of the syndrome is the variability in clinical and cognitive presentation: children with 22q11DS have high prevalence of autism spectrum, attention deficit, and anxiety disorders, as well as psychotic-like features, and up to 30% of adolescents and adults develop schizophrenia-like psychosis. Recently, cases of early-onset Parkinson's disease in adults have been reported, collectively suggesting a role for disrupted dopaminergic neurotransmission in the observed neuropsychiatric phenotypes. There is also some evidence that 22q11DS-associated autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia represent two unrelated phenotypic manifestations, consistent with a neuropsychiatric pleiotropy model. This genetic lesion thus provides a unique model for the discovery of specific genomic risk and (potentially) protective factors for neuropsychiatric disease. Here, we provide an overview of neuropsychiatric findings to date, which highlight the value of this syndrome in mapping the developmental trajectory of dimensional phenotypes that traverse multiple diagnostic categories. Potential sources of genetic variability that may contribute to the disorder's heterogeneous presentation are reviewed. Because of its known genetic etiology, animal models can readily be developed that recapitulate specific aspects of the syndrome. Future research directions involve translational models and potential for drug screenable targets in the context of this human model system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Jonas
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Caroline A Montojo
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Department of Psychology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Carrie E Bearden
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; Department of Psychology, University of California-Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
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Schreiner MJ, Lazaro MT, Jalbrzikowski M, Bearden CE. Converging levels of analysis on a genomic hotspot for psychosis: insights from 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. Neuropharmacology 2013; 68:157-73. [PMID: 23098994 PMCID: PMC3677073 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2012] [Revised: 09/04/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a devastating neurodevelopmental disorder that, despite extensive research, still poses a considerable challenge to attempts to unravel its heterogeneity, and the complex biochemical mechanisms by which it arises. While the majority of cases are of unknown etiology, accumulating evidence suggests that rare genetic mutations, such as 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22qDS), can play a significant role in predisposition to the illness. Up to 25% of individuals with 22qDS eventually develop schizophrenia; conversely, this deletion is estimated to account for 1-2% of schizophrenia cases overall. This locus of Chromosome 22q11.2 contains genes that encode for proteins and enzymes involved in regulating neurotransmission, neuronal development, myelination, microRNA processing, and post-translational protein modifications. As a consequence of the deletion, affected individuals exhibit cognitive dysfunction, structural and functional brain abnormalities, and neurodevelopmental anomalies that parallel many of the phenotypic characteristics of schizophrenia. As an illustration of the value of rare, highly penetrant genetic subtypes for elucidating pathological mechanisms of complex neuropsychiatric disorders, we provide here an overview of the cellular, network, and systems-level anomalies found in 22qDS, and review the intriguing evidence for this disorder's association with schizophrenia. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Neurodevelopmental Disorders'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J. Schreiner
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Maria T. Lazaro
- Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Carrie E. Bearden
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, University of California, Los Angeles, USA
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim is to discuss the clinical features of psychiatric illness in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11DS), and to review current evidence that a core neuropsychiatric phenotype could underlie the full spectrum of different presentations. RECENT FINDINGS Individuals carrying the 22q11.2 microdeletion are at risk for diverse psychiatric diagnoses across the lifespan, including schizophrenia in a significant minority, and anxiety or mood disorder in the majority. Symptoms and cognitive disruptions can be grouped into domains: attention-executive deficits, social-cognitive deficits, anxiety-affective dysregulation, and psychotic phenomena. These domains do not respect the boundaries of traditional diagnostic categories, and can be consistently recognized in children, adolescents and adults. There is early evidence that some symptom-domain disruptions may predict adult psychiatric morbidity. SUMMARY If a core neuropsychiatric phenotype does exist in 22q11DS, its detection is likely to require dimensional assessment of subtle aspects of cognitive and emotional processing, not encompassed by current diagnostic systems. A core phenotype would account for disruptions across multiple symptom domains, directly reflecting genetic and neurobiological mechanisms. Relative severity of a core phenotype would predict risk for multiple psychiatric disorders, and could, therefore, be an important target for therapeutic and preventive interventions. A core phenotype meeting these criteria has not yet been defined for 22q11DS.
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