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Bonmatí-Carrión MÁ, Rol MA. Melatonin as a Mediator of the Gut Microbiota-Host Interaction: Implications for Health and Disease. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 13:34. [PMID: 38247459 PMCID: PMC10812647 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13010034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the role played by melatonin on the gut microbiota has gained increasingly greater attention. Additionally, the gut microbiota has been proposed as an alternative source of melatonin, suggesting that this antioxidant indoleamine could act as a sort of messenger between the gut microbiota and the host. This review analyses the available scientific literature about possible mechanisms involved in this mediating role, highlighting its antioxidant effects and influence on this interaction. In addition, we also review the available knowledge on the effects of melatonin on gut microbiota composition, as well as its ability to alleviate dysbiosis related to sleep deprivation or chronodisruptive conditions. The melatonin-gut microbiota relationship has also been discussed in terms of its role in the development of different disorders, from inflammatory or metabolic disorders to psychiatric and neurological conditions, also considering oxidative stress and the reactive oxygen species-scavenging properties of melatonin as the main factors mediating this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-Ángeles Bonmatí-Carrión
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Biology, Mare Nostrum Campus, University of Murcia, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Envejecimiento, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Ciber Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria-Angeles Rol
- Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Physiology, College of Biology, Mare Nostrum Campus, University of Murcia, Instituto Universitario de Investigación en Envejecimiento, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria-Arrixaca, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
- Ciber Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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2
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Chehbani F, Tomaiuolo P, Picinelli C, Baccarin M, Castronovo P, Scattoni ML, Gaddour N, Persico AM. Yield of array-CGH analysis in Tunisian children with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2022; 10:e1939. [PMID: 35762097 PMCID: PMC9356560 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.1939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with strong genetic underpinnings. Microarray-based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) technology has been proposed as a first-level test in the genetic diagnosis of ASD and of neurodevelopmental disorders in general. METHODS We performed aCGH on 98 Tunisian children (83 boys and 15 girls) diagnosed with ASD according to DSM-IV criteria. RESULTS "Pathogenic" or "likely pathogenic" copy number variants (CNVs) were detected in 11 (11.2%) patients, CNVs of "uncertain clinical significance" in 26 (26.5%), "likely benign" or "benign" CNVs were found in 37 (37.8%) and 24 (24.5%) patients, respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis involving genes spanning rare "pathogenic," "likely pathogenic," or "uncertain clinical significance" CNVs, as well as SFARI database "autism genes" in common CNVs, detected eight neuronal Gene Ontology classes among the top 10 most significant, including synapse, neuron differentiation, synaptic signaling, neurogenesis, and others. Similar results were obtained performing g: Profiler analysis. Neither transcriptional regulation nor immune pathways reached significance. CONCLUSIONS aCGH confirms its sizable diagnostic yield in a novel sample of autistic children from North Africa. Recruitment of additional families is under way, to verify whether genetic contributions to ASD in the Tunisian population, differently from other ethnic groups, may involve primarily neuronal genes, more than transcriptional regulation and immune-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fethia Chehbani
- Department of Psychiatry, Research Laboratory “Vulnerability to Psychotic Disorders LR 05 ES 10”Monastir University HospitalMonastirTunisia
- Faculty of PharmacyUniversity of MonastirMonastirTunisia
| | | | - Chiara Picinelli
- Mafalda Luce Center for Pervasive Developmental DisordersMilanItaly
| | - Marco Baccarin
- Mafalda Luce Center for Pervasive Developmental DisordersMilanItaly
- Department of GeneticsSynlab Suisse SABioggioSwitzerland
| | - Paola Castronovo
- Mafalda Luce Center for Pervasive Developmental DisordersMilanItaly
| | | | - Naoufel Gaddour
- Unit of Child PsychiatryMonastir University HospitalMonastirTunisia
| | - Antonio M. Persico
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry ProgramModena University Hospital & Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio EmiliaModenaItaly
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3
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Mehta R, Kuhad A, Bhandari R. Nitric oxide pathway as a plausible therapeutic target in autism spectrum disorders. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2022; 26:659-679. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2022.2100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rishab Mehta
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
| | - Ranjana Bhandari
- Pharmacology Research Laboratory, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh – 160 014 India
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4
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Dell'Osso L, Massoni L, Battaglini S, Cremone IM, Carmassi C, Carpita B. Biological correlates of altered circadian rhythms, autonomic functions and sleep problems in autism spectrum disorder. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2022; 21:13. [PMID: 35534878 PMCID: PMC9082467 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-022-00390-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by a complex and multifaceted neurobehavioral syndrome. In the last decades, several studies highlighted an increased prevalence of sleep problems in ASD, which would be associated with autonomic system and circadian rhythm disruption. The present review aimed to summarize the available literature about sleep problems in ASD subjects and about the possible biological factors implicated in circadian rhythm and autonomic system deregulation in this population, as well as possible therapeutic approaches. Shared biological underpinnings between ASD symptoms and altered circadian rhythms/autonomic functions are also discussed. Studies on sleep showed how ASD subjects typically report more problems regarding insufficient sleep time, bedtime resistance and reduced sleep pressure. A link between sleep difficulties and irritability, deficits in social skills and behavioral problems was also highlighted. Among the mechanisms implicated, alteration in genes related to circadian rhythms, such as CLOCK genes, and in melatonin levels were reported. ASD subjects also showed altered hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic functions, generally with a tendency towards hyperarousal and hyper sympathetic state. Intriguingly, some of these biological alterations in ASD individuals were not associated only with sleep problems but also with more autism-specific clusters of symptoms, such as communication impairment or repetitive behaviors Although among the available treatments melatonin showed promising results, pharmacological studies for sleep problems in ASD need to follow more standardized protocols to reach more repeatable and reliable results. Further research should investigate the issue of sleep problems in ASD in a broader perspective, taking into account shared pathophysiological mechanisms for core and associated symptoms of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, Italy
| | - Leonardo Massoni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, Italy
| | - Simone Battaglini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, Italy
| | - Ivan Mirko Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, Italy
| | - Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, Pisa, Italy.
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5
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Tan DX, Hardeland R. The Reserve/Maximum Capacity of Melatonin's Synthetic Function for the Potential Dimorphism of Melatonin Production and Its Biological Significance in Mammals. Molecules 2021; 26:7302. [PMID: 34885890 PMCID: PMC8659113 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In this article, we attempt to classify a potential dimorphism of melatonin production. Thus, a new concept of "reserve or maximum capacity of melatonin synthetic function" is introduced to explain the subtle dimorphism of melatonin production in mammals. Considering ASMT/ASMTL genes in the pseudoautosomal region of sex chromosomes with high prevalence of mutation in males, as well as the sex bias of the mitochondria in which melatonin is synthesized, we hypothesize the existence of a dimorphism in melatonin production to favor females, which are assumed to possess a higher reserve capacity for melatonin synthesis than males. Under physiological conditions, this subtle dimorphism is masked by the fact that cells or tissues only need baseline melatonin production, which can be accomplished without exploiting the full potential of melatonin's synthetic capacity. This capacity is believed to exceed the already remarkable nocturnal increase as observed within the circadian cycle. However, during aging or under stressful conditions, the reserve capacity of melatonin's synthetic function is required to be activated to produce sufficiently high levels of melatonin for protective purposes. Females seem to possess a higher reserve/maximum capacity for producing more melatonin than males. Thus, this dimorphism of melatonin production becomes manifest and detectable under these conditions. The biological significance of the reserve/maximum capacity of melatonin's synthetic function is to improve the recovery rate of organisms from injury, to increase resistance to pathogen infection, and even to enhance their chances of survival by maximizing melatonin production under stressful conditions. The higher reserve/maximum capacity of melatonin synthesis in females may also contribute to the dimorphism in longevity, favoring females in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun-Xian Tan
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Rüdiger Hardeland
- Johann Friedrich Blumenbach Institute of Zoology and Anthropology, University of Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany;
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Dumas G, Goubran‐Botros H, Matondo M, Pagan C, Boulègue C, Chaze T, Chamot‐Rooke J, Maronde E, Bourgeron T. Mass-spectrometry analysis of the human pineal proteome during night and day and in autism. J Pineal Res 2021; 70:e12713. [PMID: 33368564 PMCID: PMC8047921 DOI: 10.1111/jpi.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The human pineal gland regulates day-night dynamics of multiple physiological processes, especially through the secretion of melatonin. Using mass-spectrometry-based proteomics and dedicated analysis tools, we identify proteins in the human pineal gland and analyze systematically their variation throughout the day and compare these changes in the pineal proteome between control specimens and donors diagnosed with autism. Results reveal diverse regulated clusters of proteins with, among others, catabolic carbohydrate process and cytoplasmic membrane-bounded vesicle-related proteins differing between day and night and/or control versus autism pineal glands. These data show novel and unexpected processes happening in the human pineal gland during the day/night rhythm as well as specific differences between autism donor pineal glands and those from controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Dumas
- Human Genetics and Cognitive FunctionsInstitut PasteurUMR 3571 CNRSUniversity Paris DiderotParisFrance
- Precision Psychiatry and Social Physiology laboratoryCHU Ste‐Justine Research CenterDepartment of PsychiatryUniversity of MontrealQuebecQCCanada
| | - Hany Goubran‐Botros
- Human Genetics and Cognitive FunctionsInstitut PasteurUMR 3571 CNRSUniversity Paris DiderotParisFrance
| | - Mariette Matondo
- Institut PasteurUnité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie (MSBio)Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT)USR 2000 CNRSParisFrance
| | - Cécile Pagan
- Paris Descartes UniversityParisFrance
- Service de Biochimie et Biologie MoléculaireINSERM U942Hôpital LariboisièreAPHPParisFrance
| | - Cyril Boulègue
- Institut PasteurUnité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie (MSBio)Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT)USR 2000 CNRSParisFrance
| | - Thibault Chaze
- Institut PasteurUnité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie (MSBio)Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT)USR 2000 CNRSParisFrance
| | - Julia Chamot‐Rooke
- Institut PasteurUnité de Spectrométrie de Masse pour la Biologie (MSBio)Centre de Ressources et Recherches Technologiques (C2RT)USR 2000 CNRSParisFrance
| | - Erik Maronde
- Institute for Anatomy IIFaculty of MedicineGoethe UniversityFrankfurtGermany
| | - Thomas Bourgeron
- Human Genetics and Cognitive FunctionsInstitut PasteurUMR 3571 CNRSUniversity Paris DiderotParisFrance
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7
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Hu W, Tang J, Zhang Z, Tang Q, Yan Y, Wang P, Wang X, Liu Q, Guo X, Jin M, Zhang Y, Di R, Chu M. Polymorphisms in the ASMT and ADAMTS1 gene may increase litter size in goats. Vet Med Sci 2020; 6:775-787. [PMID: 32529744 PMCID: PMC7738733 DOI: 10.1002/vms3.301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolificacy of most local goat breeds in China is low. Jining Grey goat is one of the most prolific goat breeds in China, it is an important goat breed for the rural economy. ASMT (acetylserotonin O‐methyltransferase) and ADAMTS1 (ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif) are essential for animal reproduction. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ASMT and ADAMTS1 genes in the highly prolific breed (Jining Grey goats), medium prolific breed (Boer goats and Guizhou White goats) and low prolific breeds (Angora goats, Liaoning Cashmere goats and Inner Mongolia Cashmere goats) were detected by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing. Two SNPs (g.158122T>C, g.158700G>A) of ASMT gene and two SNPs (g.7979798A>G, g.7979477C>T) of ADAMTS1 gene were identified. For g.158122T>C of ASMT gene, further analysis revealed that genotype TC or CC had 0.66 (p < 0.05) or 0.75 (p < 0.05) kids more than those with genotype TT in Jining Grey goats. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in litter size between TC and CC genotypes. The SNP (g.158122T>C) caused a p.Tyr298His change and this SNP mutation resulted in changes in protein binding sites and macromolecule‐binding sites. The improvement in reproductive performance may be due to changes in the structure of ASMT protein. For g.7979477C>T of ADAMTS1 gene, Jining Grey does with genotype CT or TT had 0.82 (p < 0.05) or 0.86 (p < 0.05) more kids than those with genotype CC. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was found in litter size between CT or TT genotypes. These results preliminarily indicated that C allele (g.158122T>C) of ASMT gene and T allele (g.7979477C>T) of ADAMTS1 gene are potential molecular markers which could improve litter size of Jining Grey goats and be used in goat breeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenping Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Jishun Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China.,Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Medicine, Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hefei, PR China
| | - Zhuangbiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qianqian Tang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Yan Yan
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Pinqing Wang
- Bioengineering College, Chongqing University, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Xiangyu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Qiuyue Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Xiaofei Guo
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mei Jin
- College of Life Science, Liaoning Normal University, Dalian, PR China
| | - Yingjie Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Hebei, Baoding, PR China
| | - Ran Di
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
| | - Mingxing Chu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Institute of Animal Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, PR China
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8
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Lv Y, Li Y, Li J, Bian C, Qin C, Shi Q. A Comparative Genomics Study on the Molecular Evolution of Serotonin/Melatonin Biosynthesizing Enzymes in Vertebrates. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:11. [PMID: 32118037 PMCID: PMC7010912 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Serotonin is important in vertebrates for its crucial roles in regulation of various physiological functions. Investigations on how the biosynthesizing enzymes mediate serotonin production and conversion during biological processes have been active in the past decades. However, a clear-cut picture of these enzymes in molecular evolution is very limited, particularly when the complexity is imaginable in fishes since teleosts had experienced additional whole genome duplication (WGD) event(s) than tetrapods. Since serotonin is the main intermediate product during melatonin biosynthesis from tryptophan, we therefore summarize an overview of recent discoveries about molecular evolution of the four melatonin biosynthesizing enzymes, especially the L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD) for serotonin production and aralkylamine N-acetyltransferase (AANAT) for serotonin conversion in vertebrates. Novel copies of these genes, possibly due to WGD, were discovered in fishes. Detailed sequence comparisons revealed various variant sites in these newly identified genes, suggesting functional changes from the conventional recognition of these enzymes. These interesting advances will benefit readers to obtain new insights into related genomic differences between mammals and fishes, with an emphasis on the potential specificity for AANAT in naturally cave-restricted and deep-sea fishes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunyun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Life Sciences, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, China
| | - Yanping Li
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Life Sciences, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, China.,Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia Li
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Bian
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuanjie Qin
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, College of Life Sciences, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang, China
| | - Qiong Shi
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen, China
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9
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Chang YS, Lin CY, Huang HY, Chang JG, Kuo HT. Chromosomal microarray and whole-exome sequence analysis in Taiwanese patients with autism spectrum disorder. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e996. [PMID: 31595719 PMCID: PMC6900387 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Revised: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a group of genetically and clinically heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders. Interplay between de novo and inherited rare variants has been suspected in the development of ASD. METHODS Here, we applied 750K oligonucleotide microarray analysis and whole-exome sequencing (WES) to five trios from Taiwanese families with ASD. RESULTS The chromosomal microarray analysis revealed three representative known diagnostic copy number variants that contributed to the clinical presentation: the chromosome locations 2q13, 1q21.1q21.2, and 9q33.1. WES detected 22 rare variants in all trios, including four that were newly discovered, one of which is a de novo variant. Sequencing variants of JMJD1C, TCF12, BIRC6, and NHS have not been previously reported. A novel de novo variant was identified in NHS (p.I7T). Additionally, seven pathogenic variants, including SMPD1, FUT2, BCHE, MYBPC3, DUOX2, EYS, and FLG, were detected in four probands. One of the involved genes, SMPD1, had previously been reported to be mutated in patients with Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that de novo or inherited rare variants and copy number variants may be double or multiple hits of the probands that lead to ASD. WES could be useful in identifying possible causative ASD variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Sian Chang
- Epigenome Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Center for Precision Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Yu Lin
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medical Science and School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Departments of Laboratory Medicine, Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hsi-Yuan Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jan-Gowth Chang
- Epigenome Research Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Center for Precision Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Bioinformatics and Medical Engineering, Asia University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Haung-Tsung Kuo
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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10
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Carmassi C, Palagini L, Caruso D, Masci I, Nobili L, Vita A, Dell'Osso L. Systematic Review of Sleep Disturbances and Circadian Sleep Desynchronization in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Toward an Integrative Model of a Self-Reinforcing Loop. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:366. [PMID: 31244687 PMCID: PMC6581070 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A compelling number of studies, conducted in both children and adults, have reported an association between sleep disturbances/circadian sleep alterations and autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the data are sparse and the nature of this link is still unclear. The present review aimed to systematically collect the literature data relevant on sleep disturbances and circadian sleep dysrhythmicity related to ASD across all ages and to provide an integrative theoretical framework of their association. Methods: A systematic review of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases was conducted from November 2018 to February 2019. The search strategies used were MeSH headings and keywords for "sleep-wake circadian rhythms" OR "circadian sleep disorders" OR "sleep-wake pattern" OR "sleep disorders" OR "melatonin" AND "autism spectrum disorder" OR "autism". Results: One hundred and three studies were identified, 15 regarded circadian sleep dysrhythmicity, 74 regarded sleep disturbances, and 17 regarded melatonin alterations in children and adults with ASD. Our findings suggested that autistic subjects frequently present sleep disturbances in particular short sleep duration, low sleep quality/efficiency, and circadian sleep desynchronization such as delayed phases and/or eveningness. Sleep disturbances and circadian sleep alterations have been related to the severity of autistic symptoms. Genetic studies have shown polymorphisms in circadian CLOCK genes and in genes involved in melatonin pathways in subjects with ASD. Conclusions: Sleep disturbances and circadian sleep alterations are frequent in subjects with autistic symptoms. These subjects have shown polymorphisms in clock genes expression and in genes involved in melatonin production. The impairment of circadian sleep regulation may increase the individual's vulnerability to develop symptoms of ASD by altering the sleep regulation in toto, which plays a key role in normal brain development. Even though controversies and "research gaps" are present in literature at this point, we may hypothesize a bidirectional relation between circadian sleep dysfunction and ASD. In particular, circadian sleep dysrhythmicity may predispose to develop ASD symptoms and vice versa within a self-reinforcing feedback loop. By targeting sleep disturbances and circadian sleep dysrhythmicity, we may improve treatment strategies for both children and adults with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Palagini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Danila Caruso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Isabella Masci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS G. Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience-Rehabilitation-Ophthalmology-Genetics-Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Psychiatry Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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11
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Identifying Genomic Variations in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Whole-Genome Sequencing. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2018; 14:204-211. [PMID: 30623854 PMCID: PMC6325071 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 09/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents a set of childhood neurodevelopmental disorders with impairments in social communication and restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behavior. Here, based on the whole-genome sequencing (WGS) data of three monozygotic twins discordant for ASD, we explored multiple patient-specific genetic variations and prioritized a list of ASD risk genes. Our results identified DVMT (discordant variation in monozygotic twin) observed in at least two twin pairs, including 14,310 SNPs, 2,425 indels, and 16,735 CNVs, referring to a total of 2,174 genes, and 37 of these were covered by all three types of variations. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of biological processes for 2,174 genes showed that the majority of these genes were related to neurodevelopmental processes. In addition, functional network analysis showed that there was a strong functional relevance between 37 genes covered by all three types of variations. In conclusion, for the first time, we conducted a comprehensive scan of genomic differences between monozygotic twins discordant for ASD, providing researchers with in-depth directions. It may also provide effective strategies for clinical treatment of individuals affected by ASD.
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Zhang K, Ruan Z, Li J, Bian C, You X, Coon SL, Shi Q. A Comparative Genomic and Transcriptomic Survey Provides Novel Insights into N-Acetylserotonin Methyltransferase (ASMT) in Fish. Molecules 2017; 22:E1653. [PMID: 28974055 PMCID: PMC6151645 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22101653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Melatonin is a multifunctional bioactive molecule that plays comprehensive physiological roles in all living organisms. N-acetylserotonin methyltransferase (ASMT, also known as hydroxyindole O-methyltransferase or HIOMT) is the final enzyme for biosynthesis of melatonin. Here, we performed a comparative genomic and transcriptomic survey to explore the ASMT family in fish. Two ASMT isotypes (ASMT1 and ASMT2) and a new ASMT-like (ASMTL) are all extracted from teleost genomes on the basis of phylogenetic and synteny analyses. We confirmed that C-terminal of the ASMTL proteins (ASMTL-ASMT) is homology to the full length of ASMT1 and ASMT2. Our results also demonstrate that the two ASMT isotypes and their distribution in teleosts seem to be the result of combinations of whole-genome duplication (WGD) and gene loss. Differences were also observed in tissue distribution and relative transcript abundances of ASMT1, ASMT2 and ASMTL through transcriptomic analysis. Protein sequence alignment and 3D structure prediction of ASMTs and ASMTL suggest differential roles for these ASMT genes. In summary, our current work provides novel insights into the ASMT genes in fish by combination of genomic and transcriptomic data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Zhang
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Zhiqiang Ruan
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Jia Li
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Chao Bian
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- BGI-Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, BGI Marine, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
| | - Xinxin You
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
| | - Steven L Coon
- Molecular Genomics Core, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
- Molecular Genomics Laboratory, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
| | - Qiong Shi
- BGI Education Center, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- Shenzhen Key Lab of Marine Genomics, Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Molecular Breeding in Marine Economic Animals, BGI Academy of Marine Sciences, BGI Marine, BGI, Shenzhen 518083, China.
- BGI-Zhenjiang Institute of Hydrobiology, BGI Marine, Zhenjiang 212000, China.
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Genetic variation in melatonin pathway enzymes in children with autism spectrum disorder and comorbid sleep onset delay. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 45:100-10. [PMID: 25059483 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2197-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disruption is common in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Genes whose products regulate endogenous melatonin modify sleep patterns and have been implicated in ASD. Genetic factors likely contribute to comorbid expression of sleep disorders in ASD. We studied a clinically unique ASD subgroup, consisting solely of children with comorbid expression of sleep onset delay. We evaluated variation in two melatonin pathway genes, acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (ASMT) and cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2). We observed higher frequencies than currently reported (p < 0.04) for variants evidenced to decrease ASMT expression and related to decreased CYP1A2 enzyme activity (p ≤ 0.0007). We detected a relationship between genotypes in ASMT and CYP1A2 (r(2) = 0.63). Our results indicate that expression of sleep onset delay relates to melatonin pathway genes.
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Zhao JL, Si YF, He F, Wen HS, Li JF, Ren YY, Zhao ML, Huang ZJ, Chen SL. Polymorphisms and DNA methylation level in the CpG site of the GHR1 gene associated with mRNA expression, growth traits and hormone level of half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2015; 41:853-865. [PMID: 25893903 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-015-0052-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The objectives of the present study were to estimate the GHR1 gene mutations and methylation status of CpGs, and whether those mutations and methylation were involved in the regulation of GHR1 gene expression, hormone level and growth traits in half-smooth tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Identification of single-nucleotide polymorphisms was performed on 43 male fish. Through polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism and sequencing, two SNPs were found. SNP1 [c.G1357A (p.Val376Ile)] creating one CpG site located in exon 8 was named L1 locus, and SNP2 (c.G1479A) located in exon 9 was named L2 locus. Individuals were divided into three genotypes, AA, AG and GG according to L1 locus (GG genotype had one more CpG site because of the mutation), and into two genotypes, AA- and GG-based on L2 locus. The results showed that only L1 locus was significantly associated with body weight (P < 0.01), gonad weight (P ≤ 0.05), triiodothyronine (T3) level (P ≤ 0.05) and mRNA expression (P < 0.01). At L1 locus, newly created CpG site in GG genotype was highly methylated (93.3 %), while there was no difference of methylation level in the other two CpG sites among three genotypes. AA genotype and AG genotype having higher T3 level were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05) from GG genotype. There were significant differences among body weights of AA, AG and GG genotypes (P < 0.01). Gonad weights of AA genotype and AG genotype were significantly lower than GG genotype. The GHR1 mRNA expression of GG genotype was significantly lower than AA and AG genotypes (P < 0.01). These implied that mutations and methylation status of GHR1 gene might influence the hormone level, growth traits and gene expression in male half-smooth tongue sole and the L1 locus could be regarded as a potential candidate genetic and epigenetic marker in half-smooth tongue sole selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Zhao
- The Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
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David A, Sternberg MJE. The Contribution of Missense Mutations in Core and Rim Residues of Protein-Protein Interfaces to Human Disease. J Mol Biol 2015; 427:2886-98. [PMID: 26173036 PMCID: PMC4548493 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Revised: 06/19/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Missense mutations at protein–protein interaction sites, called interfaces, are important contributors to human disease. Interfaces are non-uniform surface areas characterized by two main regions, “core” and “rim”, which differ in terms of evolutionary conservation and physicochemical properties. Moreover, within interfaces, only a small subset of residues (“hot spots”) is crucial for the binding free energy of the protein–protein complex. We performed a large-scale structural analysis of human single amino acid variations (SAVs) and demonstrated that disease-causing mutations are preferentially located within the interface core, as opposed to the rim (p < 0.01). In contrast, the interface rim is significantly enriched in polymorphisms, similar to the remaining non-interacting surface. Energetic hot spots tend to be enriched in disease-causing mutations compared to non-hot spots (p = 0.05), regardless of their occurrence in core or rim residues. For individual amino acids, the frequency of substitution into a polymorphism or disease-causing mutation differed to other amino acids and was related to its structural location, as was the type of physicochemical change introduced by the SAV. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the different distribution and properties of disease-causing SAVs and polymorphisms within different structural regions and in relation to the energetic contribution of amino acid in protein–protein interfaces, thus highlighting the importance of a structural system biology approach for predicting the effect of SAVs. Protein–protein interactions are fundamental in all biological processes. The distribution of deleterious and non-SAVs within protein interfaces is unknown. The distribution of deleterious SAVs differs within different interface structural regions. The distribution of SAVs differs in relation to interface residues energetic contribution. Structural analysis of protein complexes enhances the understanding of deleterious SAVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia David
- Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom.
| | - Michael J E Sternberg
- Centre for Integrative Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ London, United Kingdom.
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Melatonin in children with autism spectrum disorders: endogenous and pharmacokinetic profiles in relation to sleep. J Autism Dev Disord 2015; 44:2525-35. [PMID: 24752680 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-014-2123-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental melatonin has been used to treat sleep onset insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), although the mechanism of action is uncertain. We assessed endogenous and supplemental melatonin profiles in relation to sleep in nine children with ASD. In endogenous samples, maximal melatonin concentration (C(max)) and time to peak concentration (T(max)) were comparable to those previously published in the literature for typically developing children, and dim light melatonin onsets were captured in the majority of children. In treatment samples (supplemental melatonin), melatonin parameters were also comparable to those previously published for typically developing children. Our findings support that children with ASD and insomnia responsive to low dose melatonin treatment have relatively normal profiles of endogenous and supplemental melatonin.
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Codina-Solà M, Rodríguez-Santiago B, Homs A, Santoyo J, Rigau M, Aznar-Laín G, Del Campo M, Gener B, Gabau E, Botella MP, Gutiérrez-Arumí A, Antiñolo G, Pérez-Jurado LA, Cuscó I. Integrated analysis of whole-exome sequencing and transcriptome profiling in males with autism spectrum disorders. Mol Autism 2015; 6:21. [PMID: 25969726 PMCID: PMC4427998 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-015-0017-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders with high heritability. Recent findings support a highly heterogeneous and complex genetic etiology including rare de novo and inherited mutations or chromosomal rearrangements as well as double or multiple hits. METHODS We performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and blood cell transcriptome by RNAseq in a subset of male patients with idiopathic ASD (n = 36) in order to identify causative genes, transcriptomic alterations, and susceptibility variants. RESULTS We detected likely monogenic causes in seven cases: five de novo (SCN2A, MED13L, KCNV1, CUL3, and PTEN) and two inherited X-linked variants (MAOA and CDKL5). Transcriptomic analyses allowed the identification of intronic causative mutations missed by the usual filtering of WES and revealed functional consequences of some rare mutations. These included aberrant transcripts (PTEN, POLR3C), deregulated expression in 1.7% of mutated genes (that is, SEMA6B, MECP2, ANK3, CREBBP), allele-specific expression (FUS, MTOR, TAF1C), and non-sense-mediated decay (RIT1, ALG9). The analysis of rare inherited variants showed enrichment in relevant pathways such as the PI3K-Akt signaling and the axon guidance. CONCLUSIONS Integrative analysis of WES and blood RNAseq data has proven to be an efficient strategy to identify likely monogenic forms of ASD (19% in our cohort), as well as additional rare inherited mutations that can contribute to ASD risk in a multifactorial manner. Blood transcriptomic data, besides validating 88% of expressed variants, allowed the identification of missed intronic mutations and revealed functional correlations of genetic variants, including changes in splicing, expression levels, and allelic expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Codina-Solà
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Doctor Aiguader 88, 422, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), C/Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029 Spain
| | | | - Aïda Homs
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Doctor Aiguader 88, 422, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), C/Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029 Spain
| | - Javier Santoyo
- Medical Genome Project, Genomics and Bioinformatics Platform of Andalusia (GBPA), C/Albert Einstein, Cartuja Scientific and Technology Park, INSUR Builiding, Sevilla, 41092 Spain
| | - Maria Rigau
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Doctor Aiguader 88, 422, Barcelona, 08003 Spain
| | - Gemma Aznar-Laín
- Pediatric Neurology, Hospital del Mar, Passeig Marítim 25-29, Barcelona, 08003 Spain
| | - Miguel Del Campo
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Doctor Aiguader 88, 422, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029 Spain ; Servicio de Genética, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Passeig Vall d'Hebron, 119-129, Barcelona, 08015 Spain
| | - Blanca Gener
- Genetics Service, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Hospital Universitario Cruces, Plaza de Cruces 12, Barakaldo, Bizkaia 48093 Spain
| | - Elisabeth Gabau
- Pediatrics Service, Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Parc Taulí 1, Sabadell, 08208 Spain
| | - María Pilar Botella
- Pediatric Neurology, Hospital de Txagorritxu, C/José de Atxotegui s/n, Victoria-Gasteiz, 01009 Spain
| | - Armand Gutiérrez-Arumí
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Doctor Aiguader 88, 422, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), C/Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029 Spain
| | - Guillermo Antiñolo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029 Spain ; Medical Genome Project, Genomics and Bioinformatics Platform of Andalusia (GBPA), C/Albert Einstein, Cartuja Scientific and Technology Park, INSUR Builiding, Sevilla, 41092 Spain ; Department of Genetics, Reproduction and Fetal Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville (IBIS), University Hospital Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Avda Manuel Siurot s/n, Sevilla, 41013 Spain
| | - Luis Alberto Pérez-Jurado
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Doctor Aiguader 88, 422, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), C/Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029 Spain
| | - Ivon Cuscó
- Department of Experimental and Health Sciences, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, C/Doctor Aiguader 88, 422, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Hospital del Mar Research Institute (IMIM), C/Doctor Aiguader 88, Barcelona, 08003 Spain ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBER-ER), C/ Monforte de Lemos 3-5, Madrid, 28029 Spain
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Veatch OJ, Goldman SE, Adkins KW, Malow BA. Melatonin in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: How Does the Evidence Fit Together? JOURNAL OF NATURE AND SCIENCE 2015; 1:e125. [PMID: 26120597 PMCID: PMC4478596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are prevalent neurodevelopmental conditions, affecting 1 in 68 children in the United States alone. Sleep disturbance, particularly insomnia, is very common in children diagnosed with ASD, with evidence supporting overlapping neurobiological and genetic underpinnings. One of the most well studied mechanisms related to ASD and insomnia is dysregulation of the melatonin pathway, which has been observed in many individuals with ASD compared to typically developing controls. Furthermore, variation in genes whose products regulate endogenous melatonin modify sleep patterns in humans and have also been implicated in some cases of ASD. However, the relationship between comorbid insomnia, melatonin processing, and genes that regulate endogenous melatonin levels in ASD is complex and requires further study to fully elucidate. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the current findings related to the effects of genetic variation in the melatonergic pathway on risk for expression of sleep disorders in children with ASD. In addition, functional findings related to endogenous levels of melatonin and pharmacokinetic profiles in this patient population are evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J. Veatch
- Sleep Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | | | - Karen W. Adkins
- Sleep Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Beth A. Malow
- Sleep Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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Tosini G, Owino S, Guillaume JL, Jockers R. Understanding melatonin receptor pharmacology: latest insights from mouse models, and their relevance to human disease. Bioessays 2014; 36:778-87. [PMID: 24903552 PMCID: PMC4151498 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201400017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Melatonin, the neuro-hormone synthesized during the night, has recently seen an unexpected extension of its functional implications toward type 2 diabetes development, visual functions, sleep disturbances, and depression. Transgenic mouse models were instrumental for the establishment of the link between melatonin and these major human diseases. Most of the actions of melatonin are mediated by two types of G protein-coupled receptors, named MT1 and MT2 , which are expressed in many different organs and tissues. Understanding the pharmacology and function of mouse MT1 and MT2 receptors, including MT1 /MT2 heteromers, will be of crucial importance to evaluate the relevance of these mouse models for future therapeutic developments. This review will critically discuss these aspects, and give some perspectives including the generation of new mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Tosini
- Neuroscience Institute and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Many aspects of autoimmune disease are not well understood, including the specificities of autoimmune targets, and patterns of co-morbidity and cross-heritability across diseases. Prior work has provided evidence that somatic mutation caused by gene conversion and deletion at segmentally duplicated loci is relevant to several diseases. Simple tandem repeat (STR) sequence is highly mutable, both somatically and in the germ-line, and somatic STR mutations are observed under inflammation. RESULTS Protein-coding genes spanning STRs having markers of mutability, including germ-line variability, high total length, repeat count and/or repeat similarity, are evaluated in the context of autoimmunity. For the initiation of autoimmune disease, antigens whose autoantibodies are the first observed in a disease, termed primary autoantigens, are informative. Three primary autoantigens, thyroid peroxidase (TPO), phogrin (PTPRN2) and filaggrin (FLG), include STRs that are among the eleven longest STRs spanned by protein-coding genes. This association of primary autoantigens with long STR sequence is highly significant (p<3.0x10(-7)). Long STRs occur within twenty genes that are associated with sixteen common autoimmune diseases and atherosclerosis. The repeat within the TTC34 gene is an outlier in terms of length and a link with systemic lupus erythematosus is proposed. CONCLUSIONS The results support the hypothesis that many autoimmune diseases are triggered by immune responses to proteins whose DNA sequence mutates somatically in a coherent, consistent fashion. Other autoimmune diseases may be caused by coherent somatic mutations in immune cells. The coherent somatic mutation hypothesis has the potential to be a comprehensive explanation for the initiation of many autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Andrew Ross
- Department of Computer Science, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
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Trent S, Fry JP, Ojarikre OA, Davies W. Altered brain gene expression but not steroid biochemistry in a genetic mouse model of neurodevelopmental disorder. Mol Autism 2014; 5:21. [PMID: 24602487 PMCID: PMC3946266 DOI: 10.1186/2040-2392-5-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The 39,XY*O mouse, which lacks the orthologues of the ADHD and autism candidate genes STS (steroid sulphatase) and ASMT (acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase), exhibits behavioural phenotypes relevant to developmental disorders. The neurobiology underlying these phenotypes is unclear, although there is evidence for serotonergic abnormalities in the striatum and hippocampus. Methods Using microarray and quantitative gene expression analyses, and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, we compared brain gene expression and steroid biochemistry in wildtype (40,XY) and 39,XY*O adult mice to identify non-obvious genetic and endocrine candidates for between-group differences in behaviour and neurochemistry. We also tested whether acute STS inhibition by COUMATE in wildtype (40,XY) adult male mice recapitulated any significant gene expression or biochemical findings from the genetic comparison. Data were analysed by unpaired t-test or Mann Whitney U-test depending on normality, with a single factor of KARYOTYPE. Results Microarray analysis indicated seven robust gene expression differences between the two groups (Vmn2r86, Sfi1, Pisd-ps1, Tagap1, C1qc, Metap1d, Erdr1); Erdr1 and C1qc expression was significantly reduced in the 39,XY*O striatum and hippocampus, whilst the expression of Dhcr7 (encoding 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase, a modulator of serotonin system development), was only reduced in the 39,XY*O hippocampus. None of the confirmed gene expression changes could be recapitulated by COUMATE administration. We detected ten free, and two sulphated steroids in 40,XY and 39,XY*O brain; surprisingly, the concentrations of all of these were equivalent between groups. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that the mutation in 39,XY*O mice: i) directly disrupts expression of the adjacent Erdr1 gene, ii) induces a remarkably limited suite of downstream gene expression changes developmentally, with several of relevance to associated neurobehavioural phenotypes and iii) does not elicit large changes in brain steroid biochemistry. It is possible that individuals with STS/ASMT deficiency exhibit a similarly specific pattern of gene expression changes to the 39,XY*O mouse, and that these contribute towards their abnormal neurobiology. Future work may focus on whether complement pathway function, mitochondrial metabolism and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways are perturbed in such subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - William Davies
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK.
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Anderson G, Maes M. Redox Regulation and the Autistic Spectrum: Role of Tryptophan Catabolites, Immuno-inflammation, Autoimmunity and the Amygdala. Curr Neuropharmacol 2014; 12:148-67. [PMID: 24669209 PMCID: PMC3964746 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x11666131120223757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) form a set of multi-faceted disorders with significant genetic, epigenetic and environmental determinants. Oxidative and nitrosative stress (O&NS), immuno-inflammatory pathways, mitochondrial dysfunction and dysregulation of the tryptophan catabolite (TRYCATs) pathway play significant interactive roles in driving the early developmental etiology and course of ASD. O&NS interactions with immuno-inflammatory pathways mediate their effects centrally via the regulation of astrocyte and microglia responses, including regional variations in TRYCATs produced. Here we review the nature of these interactions and propose an early developmental model whereby different ASD genetic susceptibilities interact with environmental and epigenetic processes, resulting in glia biasing the patterning of central interarea interactions. A role for decreased local melatonin and N-acetylserotonin production by immune and glia cells may be a significant treatment target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Maes
- Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Department of Psychiatry, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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Ruggeri B, Sarkans U, Schumann G, Persico AM. Biomarkers in autism spectrum disorder: the old and the new. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:1201-16. [PMID: 24096533 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-013-3290-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2013] [Accepted: 09/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder with onset during early childhood and typically a life-long course. The majority of ASD cases stems from complex, 'multiple-hit', oligogenic/polygenic underpinnings involving several loci and possibly gene-environment interactions. These multiple layers of complexity spur interest into the identification of biomarkers able to define biologically homogeneous subgroups, predict autism risk prior to the onset of behavioural abnormalities, aid early diagnoses, predict the developmental trajectory of ASD children, predict response to treatment and identify children at risk for severe adverse reactions to psychoactive drugs. OBJECTIVES The present paper reviews (a) similarities and differences between the concepts of 'biomarker' and 'endophenotype', (b) established biomarkers and endophenotypes in autism research (biochemical, morphological, hormonal, immunological, neurophysiological and neuroanatomical, neuropsychological, behavioural), (c) -omics approaches towards the discovery of novel biomarker panels for ASD, (d) bioresource infrastructures and (e) data management for biomarker research in autism. RESULTS Known biomarkers, such as abnormal blood levels of serotonin, oxytocin, melatonin, immune cytokines and lymphocyte subtypes, multiple neuropsychological, electrophysiological and brain imaging parameters, will eventually merge with novel biomarkers identified using unbiased genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic methods, to generate multimarker panels. Bioresource infrastructures, data management and data analysis using artificial intelligence networks will be instrumental in supporting efforts to identify these biomarker panels. CONCLUSIONS Biomarker research has great heuristic potential in targeting autism diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Ruggeri
- MRC Social, Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry Centre, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, De Crespigny Park, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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