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Mestres I, Atabay A, Escolano JC, Arndt S, Schmidtke K, Einsiedel M, Patsonis M, Bolaños-Castro LA, Yun M, Bernhardt N, Taubenberger A, Calegari F. Manipulation of the nuclear envelope-associated protein SLAP during mammalian brain development affects cortical lamination and exploratory behavior. Biol Open 2024; 13:bio060359. [PMID: 38466184 PMCID: PMC10958201 DOI: 10.1242/bio.060359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the first characterization of the effects resulting from the manipulation of Soluble-Lamin Associated Protein (SLAP) expression during mammalian brain development. We found that SLAP localizes to the nuclear envelope and when overexpressed causes changes in nuclear morphology and lengthening of mitosis. SLAP overexpression in apical progenitors of the developing mouse brain altered asymmetric cell division, neurogenic commitment and neuronal migration ultimately resulting in unbalance in the proportion of upper, relative to deeper, neuronal layers. Several of these effects were also recapitulated upon Cas9-mediated knockdown. Ultimately, SLAP overexpression during development resulted in a reduction in subcortical projections of young mice and, notably, reduced their exploratory behavior. Our study shows the potential relevance of the previously uncharacterized nuclear envelope protein SLAP in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Mestres
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Azra Atabay
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Joan-Carles Escolano
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Solveig Arndt
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Klara Schmidtke
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Maximilian Einsiedel
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Melina Patsonis
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Lizbeth Airais Bolaños-Castro
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Maximina Yun
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Nadine Bernhardt
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Anna Taubenberger
- Biotechnology Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering (CMCB), Technische Universität Dresden, Tatzberg 47-51, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Federico Calegari
- CRTD-Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Fetscherstrasse 105, 01307 Dresden, Germany
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Havdahl A, Niarchou M, Starnawska A, Uddin M, van der Merwe C, Warrier V. Genetic contributions to autism spectrum disorder. Psychol Med 2021; 51:2260-2273. [PMID: 33634770 PMCID: PMC8477228 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291721000192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (autism) is a heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by early childhood-onset impairments in communication and social interaction alongside restricted and repetitive behaviors and interests. This review summarizes recent developments in human genetics research in autism, complemented by epigenetic and transcriptomic findings. The clinical heterogeneity of autism is mirrored by a complex genetic architecture involving several types of common and rare variants, ranging from point mutations to large copy number variants, and either inherited or spontaneous (de novo). More than 100 risk genes have been implicated by rare, often de novo, potentially damaging mutations in highly constrained genes. These account for substantial individual risk but a small proportion of the population risk. In contrast, most of the genetic risk is attributable to common inherited variants acting en masse, each individually with small effects. Studies have identified a handful of robustly associated common variants. Different risk genes converge on the same mechanisms, such as gene regulation and synaptic connectivity. These mechanisms are also implicated by genes that are epigenetically and transcriptionally dysregulated in autism. Major challenges to understanding the biological mechanisms include substantial phenotypic heterogeneity, large locus heterogeneity, variable penetrance, and widespread pleiotropy. Considerable increases in sample sizes are needed to better understand the hundreds or thousands of common and rare genetic variants involved. Future research should integrate common and rare variant research, multi-omics data including genomics, epigenomics, and transcriptomics, and refined phenotype assessment with multidimensional and longitudinal measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Havdahl
- Nic Waals Institute, Lovisenberg Diaconal Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Psychology, PROMENTA Research Center, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - M. Niarchou
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, TN, USA
| | - A. Starnawska
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Denmark
- Center for Genomics for Personalized Medicine, CGPM, and Center for Integrative Sequencing, iSEQ, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - M. Uddin
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, UAE
| | - C. van der Merwe
- Stanley Center for Psychiatric Research, The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, MA, USA
| | - V. Warrier
- Department of Psychiatry, Autism Research Centre, University of Cambridge, UK
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Hong W, Kong M, Qi M, Bai H, Fan Z, Zhang Z, Sun A, Fan X, Xu Y. BRG1 Mediates Nephronectin Activation in Hepatocytes to Promote T Lymphocyte Infiltration in ConA-Induced Hepatitis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:587502. [PMID: 33553140 PMCID: PMC7858674 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.587502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Fulminant hepatitis (FH) is a major cause of acute liver failure. Concanavalin A (ConA) belongs to the lectin family and is frequently used as an inducer of FH in animal models. ConA induced FH is characterized by massive accumulation of T lymphocytes in the liver. A host of chemoattractive substances are known to promote T cell homing to the liver during acute hepatitis. Here we investigated the involvement of Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1), a chromatin remodeling protein, in FH. BRG1-flox mice were crossed to Alb-Cre mice to generate hepatocyte conditional BRG1 knockout (LKO) mice. The mice were peritoneally injected with a single dose of ConA to induce FH. BRG1 deficiency mitigated ConA-induced FH in mice. Consistently, there were fewer T lymphocyte infiltrates in the LKO livers compared to the wild type (WT) livers paralleling downregulation of T cell specific cytokines. Further analysis revealed that BRG1 deficiency repressed the expression of several chemokines critical for T cell homing including nephronectin (Npnt). BRG1 knockdown blocked the induction of Npnt in hepatocytes and attenuated T lymphocyte migration in vitro, which was reversed by the addition of recombinant nephronectin. Mechanistically, BRG1 interacted with β-catenin to directly bind to the Npnt promoter and activate Npnt transcription. Importantly, a positive correlation between infiltration of CD3+ T lymphocyes and nephronectin expression was detected in human acute hepatitis biopsy specimens. In conclusion, our data identify a novel role for BRG1 as a promoter of T lymphocyte trafficking by activating Npnt transcription in hepatocytes. Targeting the BRG1-Npnt axis may yield novel therapeutic solutions for FH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxuan Hong
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Kong
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengwen Qi
- Laboratory Center for Experimental Medicine, Department of Clinical Medicine, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing, China
| | - Hui Bai
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiwen Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
| | - Ziyu Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Women's Reproductive Health of Jiangxi, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China.,Central Laboratory, Jiangxi Provincial Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, China
| | - Aijun Sun
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangshan Fan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Key Laboratory of Targeted Intervention of Cardiovascular Disease and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Translational Medicine, Department of Pathophysiology, Nanjing Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Institute of Biomedical Research, Liaocheng University, Liaocheng, China
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Wan C, Pan S, Lin L, Li J, Dong G, Jones KC, Liu F, Li D, Liu J, Yu Z, Zhang G, Ma H. DNA Methylation Biomarkers of IQ Reduction are Associated with Long-term Lead Exposure in School Aged Children in Southern China. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2021; 55:412-422. [PMID: 33289392 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c01696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although lead associated with intelligence decline in children has long been reported, studies combining intelligence determination, molecular mechanisms exploration, and biomarker screen are quite rare. In this study, based on 333 children aged 9-11, we determined the role of DNA methylation (DNAm) in the relationship of lead exposure with children's intelligence. DNAm was measured from children's blood DNA specimens, and mediation analysis was performed to identify DNAm biomarkers mediating the lead-intelligence relationship. We identified forty-three differentially methylated regions (DMRs), and two fragments (FAM50B1 and PTCHD3) significantly mediated the lead-intelligence relationship, with contribution rates of 30.36% (p = 0.010) and 60.36% (p < 0.001), respectively. In addition, blood lead levels (BLLs) lower than 100 μg/L still adversely affected children's IQs and DNAm of the two fragments. Our data suggests that DNAm mediates lead-associated cognitive delay in children and blood lead reference value for school-aged children (100 μg/L) should be revised, and the candidate biomarkers can be used in related neurological diseases in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shangxia Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Lifeng Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou 511430, China
| | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Guanghui Dong
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Kevin C Jones
- Lancaster Environmental Centre, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Fei Liu
- School of Business Administration, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
| | - Daochuan Li
- Department of Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Guangzhou first people's hospital, Guangzhou 510180, China
| | - Zhiqiang Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Gan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
| | - Huimin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong province Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510640, China
- Lancaster Environmental Centre, Lancaster University, LA1 4YQ Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Zhang Z, Chen G. A logical relationship for schizophrenia, bipolar, and major depressive disorder. Part 1: Evidence from chromosome 1 high density association screen. J Comp Neurol 2020; 528:2620-2635. [PMID: 32266715 DOI: 10.1002/cne.24921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Familial clustering of schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BPD), and major depressive disorder (MDD) was investigated systematically (Aukes et al., Genetics in Medicine, 2012, 14, 338-341) and any two or even three of these disorders could coexist in some families. Furthermore, evidence from symptomatology and psychopharmacology also imply the existence of intrinsic connections between these three major psychiatric disorders. A total of 71,445 SNPs on chromosome 1 were genotyped on 119 SCZ, 253 BPD (type-I), 177 MDD cases and 1000 controls and further validated in 986 SCZ patients in the population of Shandong province of China. Outstanding psychosis genes are systematically revealed( ATP1A4, ELTD1, FAM5C, HHAT, KIF26B, LMX1A, NEGR1, NFIA, NR5A2, NTNG1, PAPPA2, PDE4B, PEX14, RYR2, SYT6, TGFBR3, TTLL7, and USH2A). Unexpectedly, flanking genes for up to 97.09% of the associated SNPs were also replicated in an enlarged cohort of 986 SCZ patients. From the perspective of etiological rather than clinical psychiatry, bipolar, and major depressive disorder could be subtypes of schizophrenia. Meanwhile, the varied clinical feature and prognosis might be the result of interaction of genetics and epigenetics, for example, irreversible or reversible shut down, and over or insufficient expression of certain genes, which may gives other aspects of these severe mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihua Zhang
- Shandong Mental Health Center, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medicine, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, China
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Saffari A, Arno M, Nasser E, Ronald A, Wong CCY, Schalkwyk LC, Mill J, Dudbridge F, Meaburn EL. RNA sequencing of identical twins discordant for autism reveals blood-based signatures implicating immune and transcriptional dysregulation. Mol Autism 2019; 10:38. [PMID: 31719968 PMCID: PMC6839145 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-019-0285-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A gap exists in our mechanistic understanding of how genetic and environmental risk factors converge at the molecular level to result in the emergence of autism symptoms. We compared blood-based gene expression signatures in identical twins concordant and discordant for autism spectrum condition (ASC) to differentiate genetic and environmentally driven transcription differences, and establish convergent evidence for biological mechanisms involved in ASC. Methods Genome-wide gene expression data were generated using RNA-seq on whole blood samples taken from 16 pairs of monozygotic (MZ) twins and seven twin pair members (39 individuals in total), who had been assessed for ASC and autism traits at age 12. Differential expression (DE) analyses were performed between (a) affected and unaffected subjects (N = 36) and (b) within discordant ASC MZ twin pairs (total N = 11) to identify environmental-driven DE. Gene set enrichment and pathway testing was performed on DE gene lists. Finally, an integrative analysis using DNA methylation data aimed to identify genes with consistent evidence for altered regulation in cis. Results In the discordant twin analysis, three genes showed evidence for DE at FDR < 10%: IGHG4, EVI2A and SNORD15B. In the case-control analysis, four DE genes were identified at FDR < 10% including IGHG4, PRR13P5, DEPDC1B, and ZNF501. We find enrichment for DE of genes curated in the SFARI human gene database. Pathways showing evidence of enrichment included those related to immune cell signalling and immune response, transcriptional control and cell cycle/proliferation. Integrative methylomic and transcriptomic analysis identified a number of genes showing suggestive evidence for cis dysregulation. Limitations Identical twins stably discordant for ASC are rare, and as such the sample size was limited and constrained to the use of peripheral blood tissue for transcriptomic and methylomic profiling. Given these primary limitations, we focused on transcript-level analysis. Conclusions Using a cohort of ASC discordant and concordant MZ twins, we add to the growing body of transcriptomic-based evidence for an immune-based component in the molecular aetiology of ASC. Whilst the sample size was limited, the study demonstrates the utility of the discordant MZ twin design combined with multi-omics integration for maximising the potential to identify disease-associated molecular signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayden Saffari
- 1Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- 2Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Matt Arno
- 3Edinburgh Genomics, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland UK
- 4King's Genomics Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Eric Nasser
- 4King's Genomics Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Angelica Ronald
- 2Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
| | - Chloe C Y Wong
- 5Social Genetic and Developmental Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Jonathan Mill
- 7University of Exeter Medical School, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Frank Dudbridge
- 1Department of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
- 8Department of Health Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Emma L Meaburn
- 2Centre for Brain and Cognitive Development, Department of Psychological Sciences, Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK
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The epigenome of twins as a perfect laboratory for studying behavioural traits. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 107:192-195. [PMID: 31536737 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The debate upon the relative importance of nature vs nurture in the development of human behaviour can be traced back to ancient times. Traditional epidemiology and genetic epidemiology have confirmed the association of environmental and genetic factors with behavioural traits. Current genomic studies are identifying genetic variants associated with various behavioural traits. However, exploring the relationship of abundant environmental factors with the complex epigenome that mediates human behaviour is just at its beginning. Identical twins can serve as perfect experiments for studying the environmental impact on behavioural epigenetics advantaged by enriched power in association analysis due to controlling of their genetic make-ups. Recent development in causal inference using twin-based models adds more values in twins. This review briefly introduces the various approaches in making use of twins in studying behavioural epigenetics from experiment design to practical applications. Exploring the epigenome of twins using the powerful twin-based study designs and analytical approaches will help identifying causal epigenetic markers mediating environmental exposures and behavioural traits enabling both pharmaceutical intervention and effective prevention.
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Integrated Analysis of Gene Expression Differences in Twins Discordant for Disease and Binary Phenotypes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17. [PMID: 29311748 PMCID: PMC5758574 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-18585-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
While both genes and environment contribute to phenotype, deciphering environmental contributions to phenotype is a challenge. Furthermore, elucidating how different phenotypes may share similar environmental etiologies also is challenging. One way to identify environmental influences is through a discordant monozygotic (MZ) twin study design. Here, we assessed differential gene expression in MZ discordant twin pairs (affected vs. non-affected) for seven phenotypes, including chronic fatigue syndrome, obesity, ulcerative colitis, major depressive disorder, intermittent allergic rhinitis, physical activity, and intelligence quotient, comparing the spectrum of genes differentially expressed across seven phenotypes individually. Second, we performed meta-analysis for each gene to identify commonalities and differences in gene expression signatures between the seven phenotypes. In our integrative analyses, we found that there may be a common gene expression signature (with small effect sizes) across the phenotypes; however, differences between phenotypes with respect to differentially expressed genes were more prominently featured. Therefore, defining common environmentally induced pathways in phenotypes remains elusive. We make our work accessible by providing a new database (DiscTwinExprDB: http://apps.chiragjpgroup.org/disctwinexprdb/ ) for investigators to study non-genotypic influence on gene expression.
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Abstract
The fields of biology, medicine, and embryology have described the developmental milestones of humans throughout gestation in great detail. It is less clear as to when humans are recognized as people, persons, or beings with rights that are protected by legislation. The practice of law is irrevocably intertwined with that of ethical conduct; and the time at which a human life is considered a person has implications that extend to health care, legislation on abortion, and autonomy of individuals. This article reviews the economical position that fertilization is the moment that personhood of the conceptus begins. Alternate positions proposing that personhood begins at other possible times after fertilization are presented and contrasted to the economical hypothesis. Summary: This article is an original work critically analyzing the various arguments for human personhood at fertilization and thereafter. The various positions on human personhood are compared and contrasted herein. The time of the human lifespan at which personhood is conferred has important implications for health care, legislation, and personal autonomy.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Janez Miklavcic
- Alberta Institute for Human Nutrition, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Paul Flaman
- St. Joseph's College, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Casey KF, Levesque ML, Szyf M, Ismaylova E, Verner M, Suderman M, Vitaro F, Brendgen M, Dionne G, Boivin M, Tremblay RE, Booij L. Birth weight discordance, DNA methylation, and cortical morphology of adolescent monozygotic twins. Hum Brain Mapp 2017; 38:2037-2050. [PMID: 28032437 PMCID: PMC6866862 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.23503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 11/25/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several studies have shown that the in utero environment, which can be indexed by birth weight (BW), is associated with cortical morphology in adolescence and adulthood. Work in monozygotic (MZ) twins suggests that this association is driven by non-shared environmental factors. This correlation could be the result of in utero impacts on DNA methylation. The aim of the present study with MZ twins is to replicate the association between discordance in BW and brain morphology and test whether discordance in DNA methylation mediates this relationship. METHODS One hundred and four adolescent MZ twins (52 pairs, of which 42% were male pairs) who have been followed regularly since birth underwent T1 weighted structural MRI, and epigenome-wide assessment of DNA methylation from saliva at age 15. RESULTS Co-twins had very similar measures of DNA methylation and cortical morphology. Higher BW members of a twin pair had increased total cortical surface area, and decreased cortical thickness compared to their lower BW sibling. BW Discordance was positively associated with both cortical surface area and cortical volume discordance. Genes involved in neurodevelopment were tentatively identified as mediators of both the BW - cortical volume, and BW- cortical surface area relationships. CONCLUSIONS The association between BW and cortical morphology in adolescence appears to be attributable to in utero environmental effects, and DNA methylation may play a role in mediating this relationship. Hum Brain Mapp 38:2037-2050, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Melissa L. Levesque
- CHU Sainte‐Justine Research CenterMontrealQuébecCanada
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuébecCanada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology and TherapeuticsMcGill UniversityMontrealQuébecCanada
| | - Elmira Ismaylova
- CHU Sainte‐Justine Research CenterMontrealQuébecCanada
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuébecCanada
| | - Marie‐Pier Verner
- CHU Sainte‐Justine Research CenterMontrealQuébecCanada
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuébecCanada
| | - Matthew Suderman
- Department of Social and Community MedicineUniversity of BristolBristolUnited Kingdom
| | - Frank Vitaro
- Psychoeducation, University of MontrealMontrealQuébecCanada
| | | | - Ginette Dionne
- School of PsychologyUniversity of LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of PsychologyUniversity of LavalQuébec CityQuébecCanada
- Institute of Genetic, Neurobiological, and Social Foundations of Child Development, Tomsk State University, TomskSiberiaRussian Federation
| | - Richard E. Tremblay
- CHU Sainte‐Justine Research CenterMontrealQuébecCanada
- Department of Psychology & PediatricsUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuébecCanada
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy and Population Science, University College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Linda Booij
- CHU Sainte‐Justine Research CenterMontrealQuébecCanada
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of MontrealMontrealQuébecCanada
- Department of PsychologyConcordia UniversityMontrealQuébecCanada
- Department of PsychiatryMcGill UniversityMontrealQuébecCanada
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Placental Up-Regulation of Leptin and ARMS2 is Associated with Growth Discordance in Monochorionic Diamniotic Twin Pregnancies. Twin Res Hum Genet 2017; 20:169-179. [DOI: 10.1017/thg.2017.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Fetal growth discordance is a relatively common complication of monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies and is caused by a combination of maternal and placental factors. The aim of the study was to survey placental gene expression patterns and identify genes associated with growth discordance. Clinical samples comprised eight growth-discordant MCDA twin placentas (31+3–34+4 weeks gestational age) and six growth-concordant twin placentas (31+2–37 weeks gestational age). Gene expression libraries were constructed from placental biopsy samples and analyzed by RNA-sequencing. The distribution and relative abundance of mRNA transcripts expressed in the smaller and larger placentas from growth-discordant and concordant MCDA twins was remarkably similar. However, leptin (LEP) and age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) mRNA levels were exclusively up-regulated in all of the eight smaller growth-discordant twin placentas. Quantitative real-time PCR of independent biopsy samples confirmed the levels of differential mRNA expression for both genes. Immunohistochemical analysis of tissue sections from matching twin placentas showed increased leptin expression in 5–10% of blood vessel cells of the smaller placenta and marginally higher levels of ARMS2 expression in the microvillous membrane of the smaller placenta. Based on these findings, we speculate that up-regulation of leptin and ARMS2 forms part of an important survival mechanism to compensate for placental growth discordance. Since, leptin and ARMS2 are both expressed as soluble proteins, they may have clinical potential as measurable biomarkers for predicting the onset of growth discordance in MCDA twin pregnancies.
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Alfimova MV, Kondratiev NV, Golimbet VE. Results and promises of genetics of cognitive impairment in schizophrenia: epigenetic approaches. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2017. [DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201711721130-135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Lévesque ML, Casey KF, Szyf M, Ismaylova E, Ly V, Verner MP, Suderman M, Brendgen M, Vitaro F, Dionne G, Boivin M, Tremblay RE, Booij L. Genome-wide DNA methylation variability in adolescent monozygotic twins followed since birth. Epigenetics 2015; 9:1410-21. [PMID: 25437055 DOI: 10.4161/15592294.2014.970060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation patterns are characterized by highly conserved developmental programs, but allow for divergent gene expression resulting from stochastic epigenetic drift or divergent environments. Genome-wide methylation studies in monozygotic (MZ) twins are providing insight into the extent of epigenetic variation that occurs, irrespective of genotype. However, little is known about the variability of DNA methylation patterns in adolescence, a period involving significant and rapid physical, emotional, social, and neurodevelopmental change. Here, we assessed genome-wide DNA methylation using the 450 K Illumina BeadChip in a sample of 37 MZ twin pairs followed longitudinally since birth to investigate: 1) the extent of variation in DNA methylation in identical genetic backgrounds in adolescence and; 2) whether these variations are randomly distributed or enriched in particular functional pathways. We also assessed stability of DNA methylation over 3-6 months to distinguish stable trait-like and variable state-like genes. A pathway analysis found high within-pair variability in genes associated with development, cellular mechanisms, tissue and cell morphology, and various disorders. Test-retest analyses performed in a sub-sample of 8 twin pairs demonstrated enrichment in gene pathways involved in organismal development, cellular growth and proliferation, cell signaling, and particular disorders. The variability found in functional gene pathways may plausibly underlie phenotypic differences in this adolescent MZ twin sample. Furthermore, we assessed stability of methylation over 3-6 months and found that some genes were stable while others were unstable, suggesting that the methylome remains dynamic in adolescence and that dynamic sites tend to be organized in certain gene pathways.
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14
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Whole genome methylation array reveals the down-regulation of IGFBP6 and SATB2 by HIV-1. Sci Rep 2015; 5:10806. [PMID: 26039376 PMCID: PMC4454074 DOI: 10.1038/srep10806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, the knowledge in DNA methylation-mediated gene regulation has shed light on the understanding of virus-host interplay in the context of genome alteration. It has also been shown that HIV is able to change the DNA methylation pattern by DNA methyltransferases and such changes can be correlated with the progression of AIDS. In this study, we have investigated the relationship between genome-wide DNA methylation pattern and HIV infection using the methylated DNA immunoprecipitation - microarray method. A pair of monozygotic twins was recruited: one of the twins was infected with HIV while the other was not. Based on data from the microarray experiment, 4679 differentially methylated regions in the HIV positive subject with the significant peak values were identified. Selected genes were then validated in human T lymphocyte CEM*174 cell line and HIV/AIDS patients by comparing with normal subjects. We found that IGFBP6 and SATB2 were significantly down-regulated in HIV-infected CEM*174 cells and 3 different cohorts of HIV/AIDS patients while their promoters were predominantly hyper-methylated compared with normal controls. This study also provides a resource for the identification of HIV-induced methylation and contributes to better understanding of the development of HIV/AIDS.
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15
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Hass J, Walton E, Wright C, Beyer A, Scholz M, Turner J, Liu J, Smolka MN, Roessner V, Sponheim SR, Gollub RL, Calhoun VD, Ehrlich S. Associations between DNA methylation and schizophrenia-related intermediate phenotypes - a gene set enrichment analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2015; 59:31-39. [PMID: 25598502 PMCID: PMC4346504 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2015.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Multiple genetic approaches have identified microRNAs as key effectors in psychiatric disorders as they post-transcriptionally regulate expression of thousands of target genes. However, their role in specific psychiatric diseases remains poorly understood. In addition, epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, which affect the expression of both microRNAs and coding genes, are critical for our understanding of molecular mechanisms in schizophrenia. Using clinical, imaging, genetic, and epigenetic data of 103 patients with schizophrenia and 111 healthy controls of the Mind Clinical Imaging Consortium (MCIC) study of schizophrenia, we conducted gene set enrichment analysis to identify markers for schizophrenia-associated intermediate phenotypes. Genes were ranked based on the correlation between DNA methylation patterns and each phenotype, and then searched for enrichment in 221 predicted microRNA target gene sets. We found the predicted hsa-miR-219a-5p target gene set to be significantly enriched for genes (EPHA4, PKNOX1, ESR1, among others) whose methylation status is correlated with hippocampal volume independent of disease status. Our results were strengthened by significant associations between hsa-miR-219a-5p target gene methylation patterns and hippocampus-related neuropsychological variables. IPA pathway analysis of the respective predicted hsa-miR-219a-5p target genes revealed associated network functions in behavior and developmental disorders. Altered methylation patterns of predicted hsa-miR-219a-5p target genes are associated with a structural aberration of the brain that has been proposed as a possible biomarker for schizophrenia. The (dys)regulation of microRNA target genes by epigenetic mechanisms may confer additional risk for developing psychiatric symptoms. Further study is needed to understand possible interactions between microRNAs and epigenetic changes and their impact on risk for brain-based disorders such as schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Hass
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine of the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Esther Walton
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine of the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Carrie Wright
- Department of Neurosciences, Health Sciences Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA,The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Andreas Beyer
- Cellular Networks and Systems Biology, Biotechnology Center, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany,University of Cologne, CECAD, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Scholz
- Institute for Medical Informatics, Statistics and Epidemiology (IMISE), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany,LIFE (Leipzig Interdisciplinary Research Cluster of Genetic Factors, Phenotypes and Environment), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jessica Turner
- The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM USA,Psychology Department, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
| | - Jingyu Liu
- The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM USA,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Michael N. Smolka
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine of the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine of the TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Scott R. Sponheim
- Department of Psychiatry and the Center for magnetic Resonance Research, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN USA
| | - Randy L. Gollub
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA,MGH/MIT/HMS Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA USA
| | - Vince D. Calhoun
- The Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM USA,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM USA
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA USA; MGH/MIT/HMS Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA USA.
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16
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Wang Z, Guo D, Yang B, Wang J, Wang R, Wang X, Zhang Q. Integrated analysis of microarray data of atherosclerotic plaques: modulation of the ubiquitin-proteasome system. PLoS One 2014; 9:e110288. [PMID: 25333956 PMCID: PMC4201353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0110288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerosis is a typical complex multi-factorial disease and many molecules at different levels and pathways were involved in its development. Some studies have investigated the dysregulation in atherosclerosis at mRNA, miRNA or DNA methylation level, respectively. However, to our knowledge, the studies that integrated these data and revealed the abnormal networks of atherosclerosis have not been reported. Using microarray technology, we analyzed the omics data in atherosclerosis at mRNA, miRNA and DNA methylation levels. Our results demonstrated that the global DNA methylation and expression of miRNA/mRNA were significantly decreased in atherosclerotic plaque than in normal vascular tissue. The interaction network constructed using the integrative data revealed many genes, cellular processes and signaling pathways which were widely considered to play crucial roles in atherosclerosis and also revealed some genes, miRNAs or signaling pathways which have not been investigated in atherosclerosis until now (e.g. miR-519d and SNTB2). Moreover, the overall protein ubiquitination in atherosclerotic plaque was significantly increased. The proteasome activity was increased early but decreased in advanced atherosclerosis. Our study revealed many classic and novel genes and miRNAs involved in atherosclerosis and indicated the effects of ubiquitin-proteasome system on atherosclerosis might be closely related to the course of atherosclerosis. However, the efficacy of proteasome inhibitors in the treatment of atherosclerosis still needs more research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Dong Guo
- Department of Neurology, Liaocheng People's Hospital, Medical School of Liaocheng, Taishan Medical University, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Yang
- School of Information Science and Engineering, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, Shandong, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research Chinese Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research Chinese Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Qunye Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodeling and Function Research Chinese Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
- * E-mail:
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17
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DNA methylation profiling of the fibrinogen gene landscape in human cells and during mouse and zebrafish development. PLoS One 2013; 8:e73089. [PMID: 23991173 PMCID: PMC3749180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0073089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The fibrinogen genes FGA, FGB and FGG show coordinated expression in hepatocytes. Understanding the underlying transcriptional regulation may elucidate how their tissue-specific expression is maintained and explain the high variability in fibrinogen blood levels. DNA methylation of CpG-poor gene promoters is dynamic with low methylation correlating with tissue-specific gene expression but its direct effect on gene regulation as well as implications of non-promoter CpG methylation are not clear. Here we compared methylation of CpG sites throughout the fibrinogen gene cluster in human cells and mouse and zebrafish tissues. We observed low DNA methylation of the CpG-poor fibrinogen promoters and of additional regulatory elements (the liver enhancers CNC12 and PFE2) in fibrinogen-expressing samples. In a gene reporter assay, CpG-methylation in the FGA promoter reduced promoter activity, suggesting a repressive function for DNA methylation in the fibrinogen locus. In mouse and zebrafish livers we measured reductions in DNA methylation around fibrinogen genes during development that were preceded by increased fibrinogen expression and tri-methylation of Histone3 lysine4 (H3K4me3) in fibrinogen promoters. Our data support a model where changes in hepatic transcription factor expression and histone modification provide the switch for increased fibrinogen gene expression in the developing liver which is followed by reduction of CpG methylation.
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18
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Kunio M, Yang C, Minakuchi Y, Ohori K, Soutome M, Hirasawa T, Kazuki Y, Adachi N, Suzuki S, Itoh M, Goto YI, Andoh T, Kurosawa H, Akamatsu W, Ohyama M, Okano H, Oshimura M, Sasaki M, Toyoda A, Kubota T. Comparison of Genomic and Epigenomic Expression in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Rett Syndrome. PLoS One 2013; 8:e66729. [PMID: 23805272 PMCID: PMC3689680 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0066729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Monozygotic (identical) twins have been widely used in genetic studies to determine the relative contributions of heredity and the environment in human diseases. Discordance in disease manifestation between affected monozygotic twins has been attributed to either environmental factors or different patterns of X chromosome inactivation (XCI). However, recent studies have identified genetic and epigenetic differences between monozygotic twins, thereby challenging the accepted experimental model for distinguishing the effects of nature and nurture. Here, we report the genomic and epigenomic sequences in skin fibroblasts of a discordant monozygotic twin pair with Rett syndrome, an X-linked neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by autistic features, epileptic seizures, gait ataxia and stereotypical hand movements. The twins shared the same de novo mutation in exon 4 of the MECP2 gene (G269AfsX288), which was paternal in origin and occurred during spermatogenesis. The XCI patterns in the twins did not differ in lymphocytes, skin fibroblasts, and hair cells (which originate from ectoderm as does neuronal tissue). No reproducible differences were detected between the twins in single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), insertion-deletion polymorphisms (indels), or copy number variations. Differences in DNA methylation between the twins were detected in fibroblasts in the upstream regions of genes involved in brain function and skeletal tissues such as Mohawk Homeobox (MKX), Brain-type Creatine Kinase (CKB), and FYN Tyrosine Kinase Protooncogene (FYN). The level of methylation in these upstream regions was inversely correlated with the level of gene expression. Thus, differences in DNA methylation patterns likely underlie the discordance in Rett phenotypes between the twins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyake Kunio
- Department of Epigenetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Chunshu Yang
- Department of Epigenetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Yohei Minakuchi
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, Center for Information Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Kenta Ohori
- Department of Epigenetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Masaki Soutome
- Department of Epigenetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Takae Hirasawa
- Department of Epigenetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kazuki
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biofunction, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Noboru Adachi
- Department of Legal Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Seiko Suzuki
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital for Mental, Nervous, and Muscular Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Itoh
- Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yu-ichi Goto
- Department of Mental Retardation and Birth Defect Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoko Andoh
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kurosawa
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Life and Environmental Sciences, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | - Wado Akamatsu
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Ohyama
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Okano
- Department of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsuo Oshimura
- Department of Biomedical Science, Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biofunction, Graduate School of Medical Science, Tottori University, Yonago, Japan
| | - Masayuki Sasaki
- Department of Child Neurology, National Center Hospital for Mental, Nervous, and Muscular Disorders, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Toyoda
- Comparative Genomics Laboratory, Center for Information Biology, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Takeo Kubota
- Department of Epigenetic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine and Engineering, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
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19
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Genes and environments in schizophrenia: The different pieces of a manifold puzzle. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2013; 37:2424-37. [PMID: 23628741 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2013.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 04/17/2013] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Genetic research targeting schizophrenia has undergone tremendous development during recent years. Supported by recently developed high-throughput genotyping technologies, both rare and common genetic variants have been identified that show consistent association with schizophrenia. These results have been replicated by independent studies and refined in meta-analyses. The genetic variation uncovered consists of common alleles, i.e. single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) conveying small effects (odds ratios below 1.1) on disease risk. The source of rare variants is copy number variations (CNVs), only detectable in a small proportion of patients (3-5% for all known CNVs) with schizophrenia, furthermore extremely rare de novo mutations captured by next generation sequencing, the most recent technological advancement in the field. Despite these findings, the search for the genetic architecture underlying schizophrenia continues since these variants explain only a small proportion of the overall phenotypic variance. Gene-environment interactions provide a compelling model for resolving this paradox and interpreting the risk factors of schizophrenia. Epidemiologically proven risk factors, such as prenatal infection, obstetric complications, urbanicity, cannabis, and trauma have been demonstrated to interact with genetic risk, giving rise to higher prevalence rates or more severe symptomatology in individuals with direct or indirect genetic predisposition for schizophrenia. Further research will have to explain how the different forms of genetic variation interact and how environmental factors modulate their effects. Moreover, the challenging question lying ahead of us is how genetic and environmental factors translate to molecular disease pathways. New approaches, including animal studies and in vitro disease modeling, as well as innovative real-world environment assessment methods, will help to understand the complex etiology of schizophrenia.
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20
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Two Cohort and Three Independent Anonymous Twin Projects at the Keio Twin Research Center (KoTReC). Twin Res Hum Genet 2013; 16:202-16. [DOI: 10.1017/thg.2012.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The Keio Twin Research Center has conducted two longitudinal twin cohort projects and has collected three independent and anonymous twin data sets for studies of phenotypes related to psychological, socio-economic, and mental health factors. The Keio Twin Study has examined adolescent and adult cohorts, with a total of over 2,400 pairs of twins and their parents. DNA samples are available for approximately 600 of these twin pairs. The Tokyo Twin Cohort Project has followed a total of 1,600 twin pairs from infancy to early childhood. The large-scale cross-sectional twin study (CROSS) has collected data from over 4,000 twin pairs, from 3 to 26 years of age, and from two high school twin cohorts containing a total of 1,000 pairs of twins. These data sets of anonymous twin studies have mainly targeted academic performance, attitude, and social environment. The present article introduces the research designs and major findings of our center, such as genetic structures of cognitive abilities, personality traits, and academic performances, developmental effects of genes and environment on attitude, socio-cognitive ability and parenting, genes x environment interaction on attitude and conduct problem, and statistical methodological challenges and so on. We discuss the challenges in conducting twin research in Japan.
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