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Archana CA, Sekar YS, Suresh KP, Subramaniam S, Sagar N, Rani S, Anandakumar J, Pandey RK, Barman NN, Patil SS. Investigating the Influence of ANTXR2 Gene Mutations on Protective Antigen Binding for Heightened Anthrax Resistance. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:426. [PMID: 38674361 PMCID: PMC11049084 DOI: 10.3390/genes15040426] [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: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Bacillus anthracis is the bacterium responsible for causing the zoonotic disease called anthrax. The disease presents itself in different forms like gastrointestinal, inhalation, and cutaneous. Bacterial spores are tremendously adaptable, can persist for extended periods and occasionally endanger human health. The Anthrax Toxin Receptor-2 (ANTXR2) gene acts as membrane receptor and facilitates the entry of the anthrax toxin into host cells. Additionally, mutations in the ANTXR2 gene have been linked to various autoimmune diseases, including Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome (HFS), Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), Juvenile Hyaline Fibromatosis (JHF), and Infantile Systemic Hyalinosis (ISH). This study delves into the genetic landscape of ANTXR2, aiming to comprehend its associations with diverse disorders, elucidate the impacts of its mutations, and pinpoint minimal non-pathogenic mutations capable of reducing the binding affinity of the ANTXR2 gene with the protective antigen. Recognizing the pivotal role of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in shaping genetic diversity, we conducted computational analyses to discern highly deleterious and tolerated non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs) in the ANTXR2 gene. The Mutpred2 server determined that the Arg465Trp alteration in the ANTXR2 gene leads to altered DNA binding (p = 0.22) with a probability of a deleterious mutation of 0.808; notably, among the identified deleterious SNPs, rs368288611 (Arg465Trp) stands out due to its significant impact on altering the DNA-binding ability of ANTXR2. We propose these SNPs as potential candidates for hypertension linked to the ANTXR2 gene, which is implicated in blood pressure regulation. Noteworthy among the tolerated substitutions is rs200536829 (Ala33Ser), recognized as less pathogenic; this highlights its potential as a valuable biomarker, potentially reducing side effects on the host while also reducing binding with the protective antigen protein. Investigating these SNPs holds the potential to correlate with several autoimmune disorders and mitigate the impact of anthrax disease in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamalapura Ashwathama Archana
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru 560064, India; (C.A.A.); (Y.S.S.); (N.S.); (S.R.); (J.A.); (S.S.P.)
| | - Yamini Sri Sekar
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru 560064, India; (C.A.A.); (Y.S.S.); (N.S.); (S.R.); (J.A.); (S.S.P.)
| | - Kuralayanapalya Puttahonnappa Suresh
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru 560064, India; (C.A.A.); (Y.S.S.); (N.S.); (S.R.); (J.A.); (S.S.P.)
| | | | - Ningegowda Sagar
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru 560064, India; (C.A.A.); (Y.S.S.); (N.S.); (S.R.); (J.A.); (S.S.P.)
| | - Swati Rani
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru 560064, India; (C.A.A.); (Y.S.S.); (N.S.); (S.R.); (J.A.); (S.S.P.)
| | - Jayashree Anandakumar
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru 560064, India; (C.A.A.); (Y.S.S.); (N.S.); (S.R.); (J.A.); (S.S.P.)
| | - Rajan Kumar Pandey
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, 17177 Solna, Sweden;
| | - Nagendra Nath Barman
- College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University (AAU), Guwahati 781022, India;
| | - Sharanagouda S. Patil
- ICAR-National Institute of Veterinary Epidemiology and Disease Informatics (NIVEDI), Bengaluru 560064, India; (C.A.A.); (Y.S.S.); (N.S.); (S.R.); (J.A.); (S.S.P.)
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Moreno Campos V, Benítez-Burraco A. Communication deficits in a case of a deletion in 7q31.1-q31.33 encompassing FOXP2. CLINICAL LINGUISTICS & PHONETICS 2023; 37:1157-1170. [PMID: 35702019 DOI: 10.1080/02699206.2022.2085174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Copy number variants (CNVs) found in individuals with communication deficits provide a valuable window to the genetic causes of problems with language and, more generally, to the genetic foundation of the human-specific ability to learn and use languages. This paper reports on the language and communication problems of a patient with a microduplication in 22q11.23 and a microdeletion in 7q31.1-q1.33 encompassing FOXP2. The proband exhibits severe speech problems and moderate comprehension deficits, whereas her pragmatic abilities are a relative strength, as she uses gestures quite competently to compensate for her expressive issues. This profile is compatible with the deficiencies found in patients with similar CNVs, particularly with people bearing microdeletions in 7q31.1-q31.33.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), University of Sevilla, Seville, Spain
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Morison LD, Meffert E, Stampfer M, Steiner-Wilke I, Vollmer B, Schulze K, Briggs T, Braden R, Vogel A, Thompson-Lake D, Patel C, Blair E, Goel H, Turner S, Moog U, Riess A, Liegeois F, Koolen DA, Amor DJ, Kleefstra T, Fisher SE, Zweier C, Morgan AT. In-depth characterisation of a cohort of individuals with missense and loss-of-function variants disrupting FOXP2. J Med Genet 2022; 60:597-607. [DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BackgroundHeterozygous disruptions ofFOXP2were the first identified molecular cause for severe speech disorder: childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), and yet few cases have been reported, limiting knowledge of the condition.MethodsHere we phenotyped 28 individuals from 17 families with pathogenicFOXP2-only variants (12 loss-of-function, five missense variants; 14 males; aged 2 to 62 years). Health and development (cognitive, motor, social domains) were examined, including speech and language outcomes with the first cross-linguistic analysis of English and German.ResultsSpeech disorders were prevalent (23/25, 92%) and CAS was most common (22/25, 88%), with similar speech presentations across English and German. Speech was still impaired in adulthood, and some speech sounds (eg, ‘th’, ‘r’, ‘ch’, ‘j’) were never acquired. Language impairments (21/25, 84%) ranged from mild to severe. Comorbidities included feeding difficulties in infancy (10/27, 37%), fine (13/26, 50%) and gross (13/26, 50%) motor impairment, anxiety (5/27, 19%), depression (6/27, 22%) and sleep disturbance (11/15, 44%). Physical features were common (22/27, 81%) but with no consistent pattern. Cognition ranged from average to mildly impaired and was incongruent with language ability; for example, seven participants with severe language disorder had average non-verbal cognition.ConclusionsAlthough we identify an increased prevalence of conditions like anxiety, depression and sleep disturbance, we confirm that the consequences ofFOXP2dysfunction remain relatively specific to speech disorder, as compared with other recently identified monogenic conditions associated with CAS. Thus, our findings reinforce thatFOXP2provides a valuable entry point for examining the neurobiological bases of speech disorder.
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Iwata‐Otsubo A, Klee VH, Ahmad AA, Walsh LE, Breman AM. A 9.8 Mb deletion at 7q31.2q31.31 downstream of
FOXP2
in an individual with speech and language impairment suggests a possible positional effect. Clin Case Rep 2022; 10:e6535. [DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.6535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aiko Iwata‐Otsubo
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana USA
| | - Victoria H. Klee
- Department of Neurology, Section of Child Neurology Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana USA
| | - Aaliya A. Ahmad
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana USA
| | - Laurence E. Walsh
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana USA
- Department of Neurology, Section of Child Neurology Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana USA
- Department of Pediatrics Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana USA
| | - Amy M. Breman
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis Indiana USA
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Akter M, Khan SF, Sajib AA, Rima FS. A comprehensive in silico analysis of the deleterious nonsynonymous SNPs of human FOXP2 protein. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0272625. [PMID: 35944036 PMCID: PMC9362936 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0272625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP2 encodes the forkhead transcription factor that plays a significant role in language development. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in FOXP2 have been linked to speech- language disorder, autism, cancer and schizophrenia. So, scrutinizing the functional SNPs to better understand their association in disease is an uphill task. The purpose of the current study was to identify the missense SNPs which have detrimental structural and functional effects on the FOXP2 protein. Multiple computational tools were employed to investigate the deleterious role of non-synonymous SNPs. Five variants as Y531H, L558P, R536G and R553C were found to be associated with diseases and located at the forkhead domain of the FOXP2 protein. Molecular docking analysis of FOXP2 DNA binding domain with its most common target sequence 5’-CAAATT-3’ predicted that R553C and L558P mutant variants destabilize protein structure by changing protein-DNA interface interactions and disruption of hydrogen bonds that may reduce the specificity and affinity of the binding. Further experimental investigations may need to verify whether this kind of structural and functional variations dysregulate protein activities and induce formation of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmuda Akter
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sumaiya Farah Khan
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Ashfaqur Sajib
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahmida Sultana Rima
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, University of Barishal, Barishal, Bangladesh
- * E-mail:
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Nagy O, Kárteszi J, Elmont B, Ujfalusi A. Case Report: Expressive Speech Disorder in a Family as a Hallmark of 7q31 Deletion Involving the FOXP2 Gene. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:664548. [PMID: 34490154 PMCID: PMC8417935 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.664548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenic variants of FOXP2 gene were identified first as a monogenic cause of childhood apraxia of speech (CAS), a complex disease that is associated with an impairment of the precision and consistency of movements underlying speech, due to deficits in speech motor planning and programming. FOXP2 variants are heterogenous; single nucleotide variants and small insertions/deletions, intragenic and large-scale deletions, as well as disruptions by structural chromosomal aberrations and uniparental disomy of chromosome 7 are the most common types of mutations. FOXP2-related speech and language disorders can be classified as "FOXP2-only," wherein intragenic mutations result in haploinsufficiency of the FOXP2 gene, or "FOXP2-plus" generated by structural genomic variants (i.e., translocation, microdeletion, etc.) and having more likely developmental and behavioral disturbances adjacent to speech and language impairment. The additional phenotypes are usually related to the disruption/deletion of multiple genes neighboring FOXP2 in the affected chromosomal region. We report the clinical and genetic findings in a family with four affected individuals having expressive speech impairment as the dominant symptom and additional mild dysmorphic features in three. A 7.87 Mb interstitial deletion of the 7q31.1q31.31 region was revealed by whole genome diagnostic microarray analysis in the proband. The FOXP2 gene deletion was confirmed by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA), and all family members were screened by this targeted method. The FOXP2 deletion was detected in the mother and two siblings of the proband using MLPA. Higher resolution microarray was performed in all the affected individuals to refine the extent and breakpoints of the 7q31 deletion and to exclude other pathogenic copy number variants. To the best of our knowledge, there are only two family-studies reported to date with interstitial 7q31 deletion and showing the core phenotype of FOXP2 haploinsufficiency. Our study may contribute to a better understanding of the behavioral phenotype of FOXP2 disruptions and aid in the identification of such patients. We illustrate the importance of a targeted MLPA analysis suitable for the detection of FOXP2 deletion in selected cases with a specific phenotype of expressive speech disorder. The "phenotype first" and targeted diagnostic strategy can improve the diagnostic yield of speech disorders in the routine clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orsolya Nagy
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | | | - Beatrix Elmont
- Department of Pediatrics, Hospital of Zala County, Zalaegerszeg, Hungary
| | - Anikó Ujfalusi
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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Rieger M, Krumbiegel M, Reuter MS, Schützenberger A, Reis A, Zweier C. 7q31.2q31.31 deletion downstream of FOXP2 segregating in a family with speech and language disorder. Am J Med Genet A 2020; 182:2737-2741. [PMID: 32885567 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.61838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Chromosomal 7q31 deletions have been described in individuals with variable neurodevelopmental phenotypes including speech and language impairment. These copy number variants usually encompass FOXP2, haploinsufficiency of which represents a widely acknowledged cause for specific speech and language disorders. By chromosomal microarray analysis we identified a 4.7 Mb microdeletion at 7q31.2q31.31 downstream of FOXP2 in three family members presenting with variable speech, language and neurodevelopmental phenotypes. The index individual showed delayed speech development with impaired speech production, reduced language comprehension, and additionally learning difficulties, microcephaly, and attention deficit. His younger sister had delayed speech development with impaired speech production and partially reduced language comprehension. Their mother had attended a school for children with speech and language deficiencies and presented with impaired articulation. The deletion had occurred de novo in the mother, includes 15 protein-coding genes and is located in close proximity to the 3' end of FOXP2. Though a novel locus at 7q31.2q31.31 associated with mild neurodevelopmental and more prominent speech and language impairment is possible, the close phenotypic overlap with FOXP2-associated speech and language disorder rather suggests a positional effect on FOXP2 expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Rieger
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mandy Krumbiegel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Miriam S Reuter
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anne Schützenberger
- Division of Phoniatrics and Pediatric Audiology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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8
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Abstract
Mutations of the FOXP2 gene cause a severe speech and language disorder, providing a molecular window into the neurobiology of language. Individuals with FOXP2 mutations have structural and functional alterations affecting brain circuits that overlap with sites of FOXP2 expression, including regions of the cortex, striatum, and cerebellum. FOXP2 displays complex patterns of expression in the brain, as well as in non-neuronal tissues, suggesting that sophisticated regulatory mechanisms control its spatio-temporal expression. However, to date, little is known about the regulation of FOXP2 or the genomic elements that control its expression. Using chromatin conformation capture (3C), we mapped the human FOXP2 locus to identify putative enhancer regions that engage in long-range interactions with the promoter of this gene. We demonstrate the ability of the identified enhancer regions to drive gene expression. We also show regulation of the FOXP2 promoter and enhancer regions by candidate regulators - FOXP family and TBR1 transcription factors. These data point to regulatory elements that may contribute to the temporal- or tissue-specific expression patterns of human FOXP2. Understanding the upstream regulatory pathways controlling FOXP2 expression will bring new insight into the molecular networks contributing to human language and related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Becker
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Paolo Devanna
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Neurogenetics of Vocal Communication Group, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Akahoshi K, Yamamoto T. Interstitial deletion within 7q31.1q31.3 in a woman with mild intellectual disability and schizophrenia. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:1773-1778. [PMID: 30013349 PMCID: PMC6038873 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s168469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
We report the case of a Japanese woman with an interstitial deletion within the 7q31.1q31.3 region, she presented with mild intellectual disability since infancy, and later developed characteristic psychiatric manifestations, including abnormal behavior, delusions, and hallucinations. She was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia (F20.0, International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision). Array comparative genomic hybridization examination revealed the deletion involving several important genes for neurodevelopment. Particularly, FOXP2, DOCK4, MET, and WNT2 in this region are suggested to be related to language impairment, autistic disorders, and cognitive disorders, via the WNT pathway. In addition, the WNT signal pathway has been suggested to be implicated in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. However, there is no case report regarding schizophrenia associated with a 7q31 microdeletion. We suspect that the disruptions of these one or plural genes among the interstitial deletion of 7q31.1q31.3 may be involved in the development of schizophrenia in this woman. This is the first report on schizophrenia associated with a 7q31 microdeletion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiko Akahoshi
- Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo Children's Rehabilitation Hospital, Tokyo, Japan,
| | - Toshiyuki Yamamoto
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Oswald F, Klöble P, Ruland A, Rosenkranz D, Hinz B, Butter F, Ramljak S, Zechner U, Herlyn H. The FOXP2-Driven Network in Developmental Disorders and Neurodegeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:212. [PMID: 28798667 PMCID: PMC5526973 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The transcription repressor FOXP2 is a crucial player in nervous system evolution and development of humans and songbirds. In order to provide an additional insight into its functional role we compared target gene expression levels between human neuroblastoma cells (SH-SY5Y) stably overexpressing FOXP2 cDNA of either humans or the common chimpanzee, Rhesus monkey, and marmoset, respectively. RNA-seq led to identification of 27 genes with differential regulation under the control of human FOXP2, which were previously reported to have FOXP2-driven and/or songbird song-related expression regulation. RT-qPCR and Western blotting indicated differential regulation of additional 13 new target genes in response to overexpression of human FOXP2. These genes may be directly regulated by FOXP2 considering numerous matches of established FOXP2-binding motifs as well as publicly available FOXP2-ChIP-seq reads within their putative promoters. Ontology analysis of the new and reproduced targets, along with their interactors in a network, revealed an enrichment of terms relating to cellular signaling and communication, metabolism and catabolism, cellular migration and differentiation, and expression regulation. Notably, terms including the words "neuron" or "axonogenesis" were also enriched. Complementary literature screening uncovered many connections to human developmental (autism spectrum disease, schizophrenia, Down syndrome, agenesis of corpus callosum, trismus-pseudocamptodactyly, ankyloglossia, facial dysmorphology) and neurodegenerative diseases and disorders (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and Huntington's diseases, Lewy body dementia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). Links to deafness and dyslexia were detected, too. Such relations existed for single proteins (e.g., DCDC2, NURR1, PHOX2B, MYH8, and MYH13) and groups of proteins which conjointly function in mRNA processing, ribosomal recruitment, cell-cell adhesion (e.g., CDH4), cytoskeleton organization, neuro-inflammation, and processing of amyloid precursor protein. Conspicuously, many links pointed to an involvement of the FOXP2-driven network in JAK/STAT signaling and the regulation of the ezrin-radixin-moesin complex. Altogether, the applied phylogenetic perspective substantiated FOXP2's importance for nervous system development, maintenance, and functioning. However, the study also disclosed new regulatory pathways that might prove to be useful for understanding the molecular background of the aforementioned developmental disorders and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Oswald
- Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center UlmUlm, Germany
| | - Patricia Klöble
- Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center UlmUlm, Germany
| | - André Ruland
- Center for Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Medical Center UlmUlm, Germany
| | - David Rosenkranz
- Institut für Organismische und Molekulare Evolutionsbiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-University MainzMainz, Germany
| | - Bastian Hinz
- Institut für Organismische und Molekulare Evolutionsbiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-University MainzMainz, Germany
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center MainzMainz, Germany
| | - Falk Butter
- Institute of Molecular BiologyMainz, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Zechner
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center MainzMainz, Germany
- Dr. Senckenbergisches Zentrum für HumangenetikFrankfurt, Germany
| | - Holger Herlyn
- Institut für Organismische und Molekulare Evolutionsbiologie, Johannes Gutenberg-University MainzMainz, Germany
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Carrigg B, Parry L, Baker E, Shriberg LD, Ballard KJ. Cognitive, Linguistic, and Motor Abilities in a Multigenerational Family with Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Arch Clin Neuropsychol 2016; 31:1006-1025. [PMID: 27707700 PMCID: PMC7427608 DOI: 10.1093/arclin/acw077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study describes the phenotype in a large family with a strong, multigenerational history of severe speech sound disorder (SSD) persisting into adolescence and adulthood in approximately half the cases. Aims were to determine whether a core phenotype, broader than speech, separated persistent from resolved SSD cases; and to ascertain the uniqueness of the phenotype relative to published cases. Method Eleven members of the PM family (9–55 years) were assessed across cognitive, language, literacy, speech, phonological processing, numeracy, and motor domains. Between group comparisons were made using the Mann–WhitneyU-test (p < 0.01). Participant performances were compared to normative data using standardized tests and to the limited published data on persistent SSD phenotypes. Results Significant group differences were evident on multiple speech, language, literacy, phonological processing, and verbal intellect measures without any overlapping scores. Persistent cases performed within the impaired range on multiple measures. Phonological memory impairment and subtle literacy weakness were present in resolved SSD cases. Conclusion A core phenotype distinguished persistent from resolved SSD cases that was characterized by a multiple verbal trait disorder, including Childhood Apraxia of Speech. Several phenotypic differences differentiated the persistent SSD phenotype in the PM family from the few previously reported studies of large families with SSD, including the absence of comorbid dysarthria and marked orofacial apraxia. This study highlights how comprehensive phenotyping can advance the behavioral study of disorders, in addition to forming a solid basis for future genetic and neural studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bronwyn Carrigg
- Speech Pathology Department, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney2031, Australia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney1825, Australia
| | - Louise Parry
- Department of Psychology, Sydney Children's Hospital, Sydney2031, Australia
| | - Elise Baker
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney1825, Australia
| | | | - Kirrie J Ballard
- Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney1825, Australia
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Reuter MS, Riess A, Moog U, Briggs TA, Chandler KE, Rauch A, Stampfer M, Steindl K, Gläser D, Joset P, Krumbiegel M, Rabe H, Schulte-Mattler U, Bauer P, Beck-Wödl S, Kohlhase J, Reis A, Zweier C. FOXP2 variants in 14 individuals with developmental speech and language disorders broaden the mutational and clinical spectrum. J Med Genet 2016; 54:64-72. [PMID: 27572252 DOI: 10.1136/jmedgenet-2016-104094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 07/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disruptions of the FOXP2 gene, encoding a forkhead transcription factor, are the first known monogenic cause of a speech and language disorder. So far, mainly chromosomal rearrangements such as translocations or larger deletions affecting FOXP2 have been reported. Intragenic deletions or convincingly pathogenic point mutations in FOXP2 have up to date only been reported in three families. We thus aimed at a further characterisation of the mutational and clinical spectrum. METHODS Chromosomal microarray testing, trio exome sequencing, multigene panel sequencing and targeted sequencing of FOXP2 were performed in individuals with variable developmental disorders, and speech and language deficits. RESULTS We identified four different truncating mutations, two novel missense mutations within the forkhead domain and an intragenic deletion in FOXP2 in 14 individuals from eight unrelated families. Mutations occurred de novo in four families and were inherited from an affected parent in the other four. All index patients presented with various manifestations of language and speech impairment. Apart from two individuals with normal onset of speech, age of first words was between 4 and 7 years. Articulation difficulties such as slurred speech, dyspraxia, stuttering and poor pronunciation were frequently noted. Motor development was normal or only mildly delayed. Mild cognitive impairment was reported for most individuals. CONCLUSIONS By identifying intragenic deletions or mutations in 14 individuals from eight unrelated families with variable developmental delay/cognitive impairment and speech and language deficits, we considerably broaden the mutational and clinical spectrum associated with aberrations in FOXP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam S Reuter
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Angelika Riess
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ute Moog
- Institute of Human Genetics, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tracy A Briggs
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK.,Faculty of Medical and Human Sciences, Institute of Human Development, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Kate E Chandler
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | - Anita Rauch
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Miriam Stampfer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Steindl
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Pascal Joset
- Institute of Medical Genetics, University of Zurich, Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Mandy Krumbiegel
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Harald Rabe
- Kinderzentrum St. Martin, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | - Peter Bauer
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Stefanie Beck-Wödl
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Applied Genomics, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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13
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Mueller KL, Murray JC, Michaelson JJ, Christiansen MH, Reilly S, Tomblin JB. Common Genetic Variants in FOXP2 Are Not Associated with Individual Differences in Language Development. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152576. [PMID: 27064276 PMCID: PMC4827837 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Much of our current knowledge regarding the association of FOXP2 with speech and language development comes from singleton and small family studies where a small number of rare variants have been identified. However, neither genome-wide nor gene-specific studies have provided evidence that common polymorphisms in the gene contribute to individual differences in language development in the general population. One explanation for this inconsistency is that previous studies have been limited to relatively small samples of individuals with low language abilities, using low density gene coverage. The current study examined the association between common variants in FOXP2 and a quantitative measure of language ability in a population-based cohort of European decent (n = 812). No significant associations were found for a panel of 13 SNPs that covered the coding region of FOXP2 and extended into the promoter region. Power analyses indicated we should have been able to detect a QTL variance of 0.02 for an associated allele with MAF of 0.2 or greater with 80% power. This suggests that, if a common variant associated with language ability in this gene does exist, it is likely of small effect. Our findings lead us to conclude that while genetic variants in FOXP2 may be significant for rare forms of language impairment, they do not contribute appreciably to individual variation in the normal range as found in the general population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn L. Mueller
- Hearing, Language and Literacy, Murdoch Childrens Institute, Melbourne, Australia
- Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey C. Murray
- Dept. of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States of America
| | - Jacob J. Michaelson
- Dept. of Psychiatry, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States of America
| | | | | | - J. Bruce Tomblin
- Dept. of Communication Sciences and Disorders, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, United States of America
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14
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Kornilov SA, Rakhlin N, Koposov R, Lee M, Yrigollen C, Caglayan AO, Magnuson JS, Mane S, Chang JT, Grigorenko EL. Genome-Wide Association and Exome Sequencing Study of Language Disorder in an Isolated Population. Pediatrics 2016; 137:peds.2015-2469. [PMID: 27016271 PMCID: PMC4811310 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2015-2469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Developmental language disorder (DLD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder associated with negative outcomes in different domains; the etiology of DLD is unknown. To investigate the genetic underpinnings of DLD, we performed genome-wide association and whole exome sequencing studies in a geographically isolated population with a substantially elevated prevalence of the disorder (ie, the AZ sample). METHODS DNA samples were collected from 359 individuals for the genome-wide association study and from 12 severely affected individuals for whole exome sequencing. Multifaceted phenotypes, representing major domains of expressive language functioning, were derived from collected speech samples. RESULTS Gene-based analyses revealed a significant association between SETBP1 and complexity of linguistic output (P = 5.47 × 10(-7)). The analysis of exome variants revealed coding sequence variants in 14 genes, most of which play a role in neural development. Targeted enrichment analysis implicated myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2)-regulated genes in DLD in the AZ population. The main findings were successfully replicated in an independent cohort of children at risk for related disorders (n = 372). CONCLUSIONS MEF2-regulated pathways were identified as potential candidate pathways in the etiology of DLD. Several genes (including the candidate SETBP1 and other MEF2-related genes) seem to jointly influence certain, but not all, facets of the DLD phenotype. Even when genetic and environmental diversity is reduced, DLD is best conceptualized as etiologically complex. Future research should establish whether the signals detected in the AZ population can be replicated in other samples and languages and provide further characterization of the identified pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey A. Kornilov
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut;,Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut;,Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, Connecticut;,Department of Psychology, Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia;,Department of Psychology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Natalia Rakhlin
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut;,Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Roman Koposov
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Maria Lee
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Carolyn Yrigollen
- The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ahmet Okay Caglayan
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut;,Department of Medical Genetics, Istanbul Bilim University, Istanbul, Turkey; and
| | - James S. Magnuson
- Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut;,Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Shrikant Mane
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Joseph T. Chang
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Elena L. Grigorenko
- Child Study Center, School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut;,Haskins Laboratories, New Haven, Connecticut;,Department of Psychology, Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia;,Moscow State University for Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia
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15
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van Rhijn JR, Vernes SC. Retinoic Acid Signaling: A New Piece in the Spoken Language Puzzle. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1816. [PMID: 26635706 PMCID: PMC4660430 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Speech requires precise motor control and rapid sequencing of highly complex vocal musculature. Despite its complexity, most people produce spoken language effortlessly. This is due to activity in distributed neuronal circuitry including cortico-striato-thalamic loops that control speech–motor output. Understanding the neuro-genetic mechanisms involved in the correct development and function of these pathways will shed light on how humans can effortlessly and innately use spoken language and help to elucidate what goes wrong in speech-language disorders. FOXP2 was the first single gene identified to cause speech and language disorder. Individuals with FOXP2 mutations display a severe speech deficit that includes receptive and expressive language impairments. The neuro-molecular mechanisms controlled by FOXP2 will give insight into our capacity for speech–motor control, but are only beginning to be unraveled. Recently FOXP2 was found to regulate genes involved in retinoic acid (RA) signaling and to modify the cellular response to RA, a key regulator of brain development. Here we explore evidence that FOXP2 and RA function in overlapping pathways. We summate evidence at molecular, cellular, and behavioral levels that suggest an interplay between FOXP2 and RA that may be important for fine motor control and speech–motor output. We propose RA signaling is an exciting new angle from which to investigate how neuro-genetic mechanisms can contribute to the (spoken) language ready brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon-Ruben van Rhijn
- Department of Language and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Molecular Neurophysiology Group, Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Department of Language and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
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16
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Abstract
Language is a defining characteristic of the human species, but its foundations remain mysterious. Heritable disorders offer a gateway into biological underpinnings, as illustrated by the discovery that FOXP2 disruptions cause a rare form of speech and language impairment. The genetic architecture underlying language-related disorders is complex, and although some progress has been made, it has proved challenging to pinpoint additional relevant genes with confidence. Next-generation sequencing and genome-wide association studies are revolutionizing understanding of the genetic bases of other neurodevelopmental disorders, like autism and schizophrenia, and providing fundamental insights into the molecular networks crucial for typical brain development. We discuss how a similar genomic perspective, brought to the investigation of language-related phenotypes, promises to yield equally informative discoveries. Moreover, we outline how follow-up studies of genetic findings using cellular systems and animal models can help to elucidate the biological mechanisms involved in the development of brain circuits supporting language.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Graham
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6525 XD Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, 6525 XD Nijmegen, The Netherlands; .,Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, 6525 EN Nijmegen, The Netherlands;
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17
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Becker M, Devanna P, Fisher SE, Vernes SC. A chromosomal rearrangement in a child with severe speech and language disorder separates FOXP2 from a functional enhancer. Mol Cytogenet 2015; 8:69. [PMID: 26300977 PMCID: PMC4546047 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-015-0173-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations of FOXP2 in 7q31 cause a rare disorder involving speech apraxia, accompanied by expressive and receptive language impairments. A recent report described a child with speech and language deficits, and a genomic rearrangement affecting chromosomes 7 and 11. One breakpoint mapped to 7q31 and, although outside its coding region, was hypothesised to disrupt FOXP2 expression. We identified an element 2 kb downstream of this breakpoint with epigenetic characteristics of an enhancer. We show that this element drives reporter gene expression in human cell-lines. Thus, displacement of this element by translocation may disturb gene expression, contributing to the observed language phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Becker
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, PO Box 310, Nijmegen, 6500 AH The Netherlands
| | - Paolo Devanna
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, PO Box 310, Nijmegen, 6500 AH The Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, PO Box 310, Nijmegen, 6500 AH The Netherlands ; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grootplein Noord 21, Nijmegen, 6525 EZ The Netherlands
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics, PO Box 310, Nijmegen, 6500 AH The Netherlands ; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Geert Grootplein Noord 21, Nijmegen, 6525 EZ The Netherlands
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18
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Del Refugio Rivera-Vega M, Gómez-Del Angel LA, Valdes-Miranda JM, Pérez-Cabrera A, Gonzalez-Huerta LM, Toral-López J, Cuevas-Covarrubias S. A Novel 23.1 Mb Interstitial Deletion Involving 7q22.3q32.1 in a Girl with Short Stature, Motor Delay, and Craniofacial Dysmorphism. Cytogenet Genome Res 2015; 145:1-5. [PMID: 25870946 DOI: 10.1159/000381234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial deletions of 7q show a wide phenotypic spectrum that varies with respect to the location and size of the deleted region. They lead to craniofacial dysmorphism with intellectual disability, growth retardation, and various congenital defects. Here, a Mexican girl with microcephaly, facial dysmorphism, short stature, hand anomalies, and intellectual disability was analyzed by CytoScan HD array. Her phenotype was associated with a de novo 7q22.3q32.1 deletion involving 109 loci, 57 of them listed in the OMIM database. This novel deletion increases the knowledge of the variability in the rupture sites of the region and expands the spectrum of molecular and clinical defects of the 7q deletion syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Del Refugio Rivera-Vega
- Departamento de Genética Médica, Hospital General de México/Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México, DF, México
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19
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Murray E, McCabe P, Heard R, Ballard KJ. Differential diagnosis of children with suspected childhood apraxia of speech. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2015; 58:43-60. [PMID: 25480674 DOI: 10.1044/2014_jslhr-s-12-0358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2012] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The gold standard for diagnosing childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is expert judgment of perceptual features. The aim of this study was to identify a set of objective measures that differentiate CAS from other speech disorders. METHOD Seventy-two children (4-12 years of age) diagnosed with suspected CAS by community speech-language pathologists were screened. Forty-seven participants underwent diagnostic assessment including presence or absence of perceptual CAS features. Twenty-eight children met two sets of diagnostic criteria for CAS (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 2007b; Shriberg, Potter, & Strand, 2009); another 4 met the CAS criteria with comorbidity. Fifteen were categorized as non-CAS with phonological impairment, submucous cleft, or dysarthria. Following this, 24 different measures from the diagnostic assessment were rated by blinded raters. Multivariate discriminant function analysis was used to identify the combination of measures that best predicted expert diagnoses. RESULTS The discriminant function analysis model, including syllable segregation, lexical stress matches, percentage phonemes correct from a polysyllabic picture-naming task, and articulatory accuracy on repetition of /pətəkə/, reached 91% diagnostic accuracy against expert diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Polysyllabic production accuracy and an oral motor examination that includes diadochokinesis may be sufficient to reliably identify CAS and rule out structural abnormality or dysarthria. Testing with a larger unselected sample is required.
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20
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Winberg J, Berggren H, Malm T, Johansson S, Johansson Ramgren J, Nilsson B, Liedén A, Nordenskjöld A, Gustavsson P, Nordgren A. No evidence for mosaic pathogenic copy number variations in cardiac tissue from patients with congenital heart malformations. Eur J Med Genet 2015; 58:129-33. [PMID: 25652018 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2015.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate if pathogenic copy number variations (CNVs) are present in mosaic form in patients with congenital heart malformations. We have collected cardiac tissue and blood samples from 23 patients with congenital heart malformations that underwent cardiac surgery and screened for mosaic gene dose alterations restricted to cardiac tissue using array comparative genomic hybridization (array CGH). We did not find evidence of CNVs in mosaic form after array CGH analysis. Pathogenic CNVs that were present in both cardiac tissue and blood were detected in 2/23 patients (9%), and in addition we found several constitutional CNVs of unclear clinical significance. This is the first study investigating mosaicism for CNVs in heart tissue compared to peripheral blood and the results do not indicate that pathogenic mosaic copy number changes are common in patients with heart malformations. Importantly, in line with previous studies, our results show that constitutional pathogenic CNVs are important factors contributing to congenital heart malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Winberg
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Håkan Berggren
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Unit, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Torsten Malm
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sune Johansson
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Unit, Children's Hospital, University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| | | | - Boris Nilsson
- Pediatric Cardiac Surgery Unit, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Agne Liedén
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Nordenskjöld
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Pediatric Surgery, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter Gustavsson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ann Nordgren
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery and Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Insights into the genetic foundations of human communication. Neuropsychol Rev 2015; 25:3-26. [PMID: 25597031 DOI: 10.1007/s11065-014-9277-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The human capacity to acquire sophisticated language is unmatched in the animal kingdom. Despite the discontinuity in communicative abilities between humans and other primates, language is built on ancient genetic foundations, which are being illuminated by comparative genomics. The genetic architecture of the language faculty is also being uncovered by research into neurodevelopmental disorders that disrupt the normally effortless process of language acquisition. In this article, we discuss the strategies that researchers are using to reveal genetic factors contributing to communicative abilities, and review progress in identifying the relevant genes and genetic variants. The first gene directly implicated in a speech and language disorder was FOXP2. Using this gene as a case study, we illustrate how evidence from genetics, molecular cell biology, animal models and human neuroimaging has converged to build a picture of the role of FOXP2 in neurodevelopment, providing a framework for future endeavors to bridge the gaps between genes, brains and behavior.
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22
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Devanna P, Middelbeek J, Vernes SC. FOXP2 drives neuronal differentiation by interacting with retinoic acid signaling pathways. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:305. [PMID: 25309332 PMCID: PMC4176457 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXP2 was the first gene shown to cause a Mendelian form of speech and language disorder. Although developmentally expressed in many organs, loss of a single copy of FOXP2 leads to a phenotype that is largely restricted to orofacial impairment during articulation and linguistic processing deficits. Why perturbed FOXP2 function affects specific aspects of the developing brain remains elusive. We investigated the role of FOXP2 in neuronal differentiation and found that FOXP2 drives molecular changes consistent with neuronal differentiation in a human model system. We identified a network of FOXP2 regulated genes related to retinoic acid signaling and neuronal differentiation. FOXP2 also produced phenotypic changes associated with neuronal differentiation including increased neurite outgrowth and reduced migration. Crucially, cells expressing FOXP2 displayed increased sensitivity to retinoic acid exposure. This suggests a mechanism by which FOXP2 may be able to increase the cellular differentiation response to environmental retinoic acid cues for specific subsets of neurons in the brain. These data demonstrate that FOXP2 promotes neuronal differentiation by interacting with the retinoic acid signaling pathway and regulates key processes required for normal circuit formation such as neuronal migration and neurite outgrowth. In this way, FOXP2, which is found only in specific subpopulations of neurons in the brain, may drive precise neuronal differentiation patterns and/or control localization and connectivity of these FOXP2 positive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Devanna
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Middelbeek
- Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sonja C Vernes
- Language and Genetics Department, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen, Netherlands
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23
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Abstract
Specific language impairment (SLI) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder which occurs unexpectedly and without an obvious cause. Over a decade of research suggests that SLI is highly heritable. Several genes and loci have already been implicated in SLI through linkage and targeted association methods. Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of SLI and language traits in the general population have been reported and, consequently, new candidate genes have been identified. This review aims to summarise the literature concerning genome-wide studies of SLI. In addition, this review highlights the methodologies that have been used to research the genetics of SLI to date, and also considers the current, and future, contributions that GWAS can offer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rose H Reader
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN UK
| | - Laura E Covill
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN UK
| | - Ron Nudel
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN UK
| | - Dianne F Newbury
- Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7BN UK ; St John's College, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX1 3JP UK
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24
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Hoogman M, Guadalupe T, Zwiers MP, Klarenbeek P, Francks C, Fisher SE. Assessing the effects of common variation in the FOXP2 gene on human brain structure. Front Hum Neurosci 2014; 8:473. [PMID: 25013396 PMCID: PMC4076884 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2014.00473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The FOXP2 transcription factor is one of the most well-known genes to have been implicated in developmental speech and language disorders. Rare mutations disrupting the function of this gene have been described in different families and cases. In a large three-generation family carrying a missense mutation, neuroimaging studies revealed significant effects on brain structure and function, most notably in the inferior frontal gyrus, caudate nucleus, and cerebellum. After the identification of rare disruptive FOXP2 variants impacting on brain structure, several reports proposed that common variants at this locus may also have detectable effects on the brain, extending beyond disorder into normal phenotypic variation. These neuroimaging genetics studies used groups of between 14 and 96 participants. The current study assessed effects of common FOXP2 variants on neuroanatomy using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and volumetric techniques in a sample of >1300 people from the general population. In a first targeted stage we analyzed single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) claimed to have effects in prior smaller studies (rs2253478, rs12533005, rs2396753, rs6980093, rs7784315, rs17137124, rs10230558, rs7782412, rs1456031), beginning with regions proposed in the relevant papers, then assessing impact across the entire brain. In the second gene-wide stage, we tested all common FOXP2 variation, focusing on volumetry of those regions most strongly implicated from analyses of rare disruptive mutations. Despite using a sample that is more than 10 times that used for prior studies of common FOXP2 variation, we found no evidence for effects of SNPs on variability in neuroanatomy in the general population. Thus, the impact of this gene on brain structure may be largely limited to extreme cases of rare disruptive alleles. Alternatively, effects of common variants at this gene exist but are too subtle to be detected with standard volumetric techniques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Hoogman
- Department of Language and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Tulio Guadalupe
- Department of Language and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Marcel P Zwiers
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Patricia Klarenbeek
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Clyde Francks
- Department of Language and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Simon E Fisher
- Department of Language and Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics Nijmegen, Netherlands ; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Nijmegen Nijmegen, Netherlands
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25
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Condro MC, White SA. Recent Advances in the Genetics of Vocal Learning. COMPARATIVE COGNITION & BEHAVIOR REVIEWS 2014; 9:75-98. [PMID: 26052371 DOI: 10.3819/ccbr.2014.90003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Language is a complex communicative behavior unique to humans, and its genetic basis is poorly understood. Genes associated with human speech and language disorders provide some insights, originating with the FOXP2 transcription factor, a mutation in which is the source of an inherited form of developmental verbal dyspraxia. Subsequently, targets of FOXP2 regulation have been associated with speech and language disorders, along with other genes. Here, we review these recent findings that implicate genetic factors in human speech. Due to the exclusivity of language to humans, no single animal model is sufficient to study the complete behavioral effects of these genes. Fortunately, some animals possess subcomponents of language. One such subcomponent is vocal learning, which though rare in the animal kingdom, is shared with songbirds. We therefore discuss how songbird studies have contributed to the current understanding of genetic factors that impact human speech, and support the continued use of this animal model for such studies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael C Condro
- Molecular, Cellular and Integrative Physiology Interdepartmental Program, University of California, Los Angeles
| | - Stephanie A White
- Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles
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Worthey EA, Raca G, Laffin JJ, Wilk BM, Harris JM, Jakielski KJ, Dimmock DP, Strand EA, Shriberg LD. Whole-exome sequencing supports genetic heterogeneity in childhood apraxia of speech. J Neurodev Disord 2013; 5:29. [PMID: 24083349 PMCID: PMC3851280 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-5-29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Accepted: 09/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a rare, severe, persistent pediatric motor speech disorder with associated deficits in sensorimotor, cognitive, language, learning and affective processes. Among other neurogenetic origins, CAS is the disorder segregating with a mutation in FOXP2 in a widely studied, multigenerational London family. We report the first whole-exome sequencing (WES) findings from a cohort of 10 unrelated participants, ages 3 to 19 years, with well-characterized CAS. Methods As part of a larger study of children and youth with motor speech sound disorders, 32 participants were classified as positive for CAS on the basis of a behavioral classification marker using auditory-perceptual and acoustic methods that quantify the competence, precision and stability of a speaker’s speech, prosody and voice. WES of 10 randomly selected participants was completed using the Illumina Genome Analyzer IIx Sequencing System. Image analysis, base calling, demultiplexing, read mapping, and variant calling were performed using Illumina software. Software developed in-house was used for variant annotation, prioritization and interpretation to identify those variants likely to be deleterious to neurodevelopmental substrates of speech-language development. Results Among potentially deleterious variants, clinically reportable findings of interest occurred on a total of five chromosomes (Chr3, Chr6, Chr7, Chr9 and Chr17), which included six genes either strongly associated with CAS (FOXP1 and CNTNAP2) or associated with disorders with phenotypes overlapping CAS (ATP13A4, CNTNAP1, KIAA0319 and SETX). A total of 8 (80%) of the 10 participants had clinically reportable variants in one or two of the six genes, with variants in ATP13A4, KIAA0319 and CNTNAP2 being the most prevalent. Conclusions Similar to the results reported in emerging WES studies of other complex neurodevelopmental disorders, our findings from this first WES study of CAS are interpreted as support for heterogeneous genetic origins of this pediatric motor speech disorder with multiple genes, pathways and complex interactions. We also submit that our findings illustrate the potential use of WES for both gene identification and case-by-case clinical diagnostics in pediatric motor speech disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Worthey
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Turner SJ, Hildebrand MS, Block S, Damiano J, Fahey M, Reilly S, Bahlo M, Scheffer IE, Morgan AT. Small intragenic deletion in FOXP2
associated with childhood apraxia of speech and dysarthria. Am J Med Genet A 2013; 161A:2321-6. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.36055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha J Turner
- Department of Paediatrics, The Royal Children's Hospital; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Michael S. Hildebrand
- Department of Medicine; The University of Melbourne, Austin Health; Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Susan Block
- Department of Human Communication Sciences; La Trobe University; Bundoora Victoria Australia
| | - John Damiano
- Department of Medicine; The University of Melbourne, Austin Health; Heidelberg Victoria Australia
| | - Michael Fahey
- Department of Paediatrics; Monash University; Clayton Victoria Australia
| | - Sheena Reilly
- Department of Paediatrics, The Royal Children's Hospital; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
- Population Health, Genes and Environment Theme; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Melanie Bahlo
- Bioinformatics Division; The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research; Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
| | - Ingrid E. Scheffer
- Department of Paediatrics, The Royal Children's Hospital; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
- Department of Medicine; The University of Melbourne, Austin Health; Heidelberg Victoria Australia
- Florey Institute; Melbourne Victoria Australia
| | - Angela T. Morgan
- Department of Paediatrics, The Royal Children's Hospital; The University of Melbourne; Parkville Victoria Australia
- Population Health, Genes and Environment Theme; Murdoch Childrens Research Institute; Parkville Victoria Australia
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Mosaic 15q13.3 deletion including CHRNA7 gene in monozygotic twins. Eur J Med Genet 2013; 56:274-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2013.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2012] [Accepted: 02/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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Thevenon J, Callier P, Andrieux J, Delobel B, David A, Sukno S, Minot D, Mosca Anne L, Marle N, Sanlaville D, Bonnet M, Masurel-Paulet A, Levy F, Gaunt L, Farrell S, Le Caignec C, Toutain A, Carmignac V, Mugneret F, Clayton-Smith J, Thauvin-Robinet C, Faivre L. 12p13.33 microdeletion including ELKS/ERC1, a new locus associated with childhood apraxia of speech. Eur J Hum Genet 2013; 21:82-8. [PMID: 22713806 PMCID: PMC3522191 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2012.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2011] [Revised: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 05/01/2012] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Speech sound disorders are heterogeneous conditions, and sporadic and familial cases have been described. However, monogenic inheritance explains only a small proportion of such disorders, in particular in cases with childhood apraxia of speech (CAS). Deletions of <5 Mb involving the 12p13.33 locus is one of the least commonly deleted subtelomeric regions. Only four patients have been reported with such a deletion diagnosed with fluorescence in situ hybridisation telomere analysis or array CGH. To further delineate this rare microdeletional syndrome, a French collaboration together with a search in the Decipher database allowed us to gather nine new patients with a 12p13.33 subtelomeric or interstitial rearrangement identified by array CGH. Speech delay was found in all patients, which could be defined as CAS when patients had been evaluated by a speech therapist (5/9 patients). Intellectual deficiency was found in 5/9 patients only, and often associated with psychiatric manifestations of various severity. Two such deletions were inherited from an apparently healthy parent, but reevaluation revealed abnormal speech production at least in childhood, suggesting variable expressivity. The ELKS/ERC1 gene, which encodes for a synaptic factor, is found in the smallest region of overlap. These results reinforce the hypothesis that deletions of the 12p13.33 locus may be responsible for variable phenotypes including CAS associated with neurobehavioural troubles and that the presence of CAS justifies a genetic work-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Thevenon
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence «Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs», Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | | | - Joris Andrieux
- Cytogénétique, Hôpital Jeanne de Flandre, CHRU de Lille, Lille, France
| | - Bruno Delobel
- Centre de Cytogénétique Chromosomique, Hôpital Saint Vincent de Paul, Groupe Hospitalier de l'Institut Catholique Lillois, Faculté Libre de Médecine, Lille, France
| | - Albert David
- Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Sylvie Sukno
- Service de Neuropédiatrie, Hôpital Saint Vincent de Paul, Groupe Hospitalier de l'Institut Catholique Lillois, Faculté Libre de Médecine, Lille, France
| | - Delphine Minot
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence «Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs», Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | | | | | - Damien Sanlaville
- Laboratoire de Cytogénétique, CBPE, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Bron, France
| | - Marlène Bonnet
- Centre de Référence des Troubles du Langage et des Apprentissages, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Alice Masurel-Paulet
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence «Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs», Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Fabienne Levy
- Centre de Référence des Troubles du Langage et des Apprentissages, Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU de Dijon, Dijon, France
| | - Lorraine Gaunt
- Genetic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Sandra Farrell
- Genetic Medicine, Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cédric Le Caignec
- Service de Génétique Médicale, CHU Nantes, Nantes, France
- INSERM, UMR_S915, l'institut du thorax, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | - Jill Clayton-Smith
- Genetic Medicine, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Christel Thauvin-Robinet
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence «Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs», Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
- Equipe GAD, Université de Bourgogne, Faculté de Médecine, Dijon, France
| | - Laurence Faivre
- Centre de Génétique et Centre de Référence «Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs», Hôpital d'Enfants, CHU Dijon, Dijon, France
- Equipe GAD, Université de Bourgogne, Faculté de Médecine, Dijon, France
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Laffin JJS, Raca G, Jackson CA, Strand EA, Jakielski KJ, Shriberg LD. Novel candidate genes and regions for childhood apraxia of speech identified by array comparative genomic hybridization. Genet Med 2012; 14:928-36. [PMID: 22766611 DOI: 10.1038/gim.2012.72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The goal of this study was to identify new candidate genes and genomic copy-number variations associated with a rare, severe, and persistent speech disorder termed childhood apraxia of speech. Childhood apraxia of speech is the speech disorder segregating with a mutation in FOXP2 in a multigenerational London pedigree widely studied for its role in the development of speech-language in humans. METHODS A total of 24 participants who were suspected to have childhood apraxia of speech were assessed using a comprehensive protocol that samples speech in challenging contexts. All participants met clinical-research criteria for childhood apraxia of speech. Array comparative genomic hybridization analyses were completed using a customized 385K Nimblegen array (Roche Nimblegen, Madison, WI) with increased coverage of genes and regions previously associated with childhood apraxia of speech. RESULTS A total of 16 copy-number variations with potential consequences for speech-language development were detected in 12 or half of the 24 participants. The copy-number variations occurred on 10 chromosomes, 3 of which had two to four candidate regions. Several participants were identified with copy-number variations in two to three regions. In addition, one participant had a heterozygous FOXP2 mutation and a copy-number variation on chromosome 2, and one participant had a 16p11.2 microdeletion and copy-number variations on chromosomes 13 and 14. CONCLUSION Findings support the likelihood of heterogeneous genomic pathways associated with childhood apraxia of speech.
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Bacon C, Rappold GA. The distinct and overlapping phenotypic spectra of FOXP1 and FOXP2 in cognitive disorders. Hum Genet 2012; 131:1687-98. [PMID: 22736078 PMCID: PMC3470686 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-012-1193-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 06/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Rare disruptions of FOXP2 have been strongly implicated in deficits in language development. Research over the past decade has suggested a role in the formation of underlying neural circuits required for speech. Until recently no evidence existed to suggest that the closely related FOXP1 gene played a role in neurodevelopmental processes. However, in the last few years, novel rare disruptions in FOXP1 have been reported in multiple cases of cognitive dysfunction, including intellectual disability and autism spectrum disorder, together with language impairment. As FOXP1 and FOXP2 form heterodimers for transcriptional regulation, one may assume that they co-operate in common neurodevelopmental pathways through the co-regulation of common targets. Here we compare the phenotypic consequences of FOXP1 and FOXP2 impairment, drawing on well-known studies from the past as well as recent exciting findings and consider what these tell us regarding the functions of these two genes in neural development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Bacon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gudrun A. Rappold
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 366, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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