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Blum K, Bowirrat A, Sunder K, Thanos PK, Hanna C, Gold MS, Dennen CA, Elman I, Murphy KT, Makale MT. Dopamine Dysregulation in Reward and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2024; 14:733. [PMID: 39061473 PMCID: PMC11274922 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14070733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 07/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is primarily characterized by core deficits in social skills, communication, and cognition and by repetitive stereotyped behaviors. These manifestations are variable between individuals, and ASD pathogenesis is complex, with over a thousand implicated genes, many epigenetic factors, and multiple environmental influences. The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) mediated brain reward system is held to play a key role, but the rapidly expanding literature reveals intricate, nuanced signaling involving a wide array of mesolimbic loci, neurotransmitters and receptor subtypes, and neuronal variants. How altered DA signaling may constitute a downstream convergence of the manifold causal origins of ASD is not well understood. A clear working framework of ASD pathogenesis may help delineate common stages and potential diagnostic and interventional opportunities. Hence, we summarize the known natural history of ASD in the context of emerging data and perspectives to update ASD reward signaling. Then, against this backdrop, we proffer a provisional framework that organizes ASD pathogenesis into successive levels, including (1) genetic and epigenetic changes, (2) disrupted mesolimbic reward signaling pathways, (3) dysregulated neurotransmitter/DA signaling, and finally, (4) altered neurocognitive and social behavior and possible antagonist/agonist based ASD interventions. This subdivision of ASD into a logical progression of potentially addressable parts may help facilitate the rational formulation of diagnostics and targeted treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Blum
- Division of Addiction Research & Education, Center for Exercise Sports, Mental Health, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
- Sunder Foundation, Palm Springs, CA 92264, USA
- Division of Personalized Neuromodulations, PeakLogic, LLC, Del Mar, CA 92130, USA
| | - Abdalla Bowirrat
- Department of Molecular Biology, Adelson School of Medicine, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
| | | | - Panayotis K. Thanos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Colin Hanna
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, State University of New York, SUNY, Buffalo, NY 14215, USA
| | - Mark S. Gold
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Catherine A. Dennen
- Department of Family Medicine, Jefferson Health Northeast, Philadelphia, PA 19145, USA
| | - Igor Elman
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard University School of Medicine, Cambridge, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kevin T. Murphy
- Division of Personalized Neuromodulations, PeakLogic, LLC, Del Mar, CA 92130, USA
| | - Milan T. Makale
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Sciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
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Zhang S, Yang J, Ji D, Meng X, Zhu C, Zheng G, Glessner J, Qu HQ, Cui Y, Liu Y, Wang W, Li X, Zhang H, Xiu Z, Sun Y, Sun L, Li J, Hakonarson H, Li J, Xia Q. NASP gene contributes to autism by epigenetic dysregulation of neural and immune pathways. J Med Genet 2024; 61:677-688. [PMID: 38443156 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2023-109385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetics makes substantial contribution to the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and may harbour a unique opportunity to prevent the development of ASD. We aimed to identify novel epigenetic genes involved in ASD aetiology. METHODS Trio-based whole exome sequencing was conducted on ASD families. Genome editing technique was used to knock out the candidate causal gene in a relevant cell line. ATAC-seq, ChIP-seq and RNA-seq were performed to investigate the functional impact of knockout (KO) or mutation in the candidate gene. RESULTS We identified a novel candidate gene NASP (nuclear autoantigenic sperm protein) for epigenetic dysregulation in ASD in a Chinese nuclear family including one proband with autism and comorbid atopic disease. The de novo likely gene disruptive variant tNASP(Q289X) subjects the expression of tNASP to nonsense-mediated decay. tNASP KO increases chromatin accessibility, promotes the active promoter state of genes enriched in synaptic signalling and leads to upregulated expression of genes in the neural signalling and immune signalling pathways. Compared with wild-type tNASP, tNASP(Q289X) enhances chromatin accessibility of the genes with enriched expression in the brain. RNA-seq revealed that genes involved in neural and immune signalling are affected by the tNASP mutation, consistent with the phenotypic impact and molecular effects of nasp-1 mutations in Caenorhabditis elegans. Two additional patients with ASD were found carrying deletion or deleterious mutation in the NASP gene. CONCLUSION We identified novel epigenetic mechanisms mediated by tNASP which may contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD and its immune comorbidity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sipeng Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dandan Ji
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyi Meng
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chonggui Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Gang Zheng
- National Supercomputer Center in Tianjin (NSCC-TJ), Tianjin, China
| | - Joseph Glessner
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hui-Qi Qu
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuechen Cui
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yichuan Liu
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- The Institute of Psychology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumei Li
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhanjie Xiu
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jie Li
- Laboratory of Biological Psychiatry, Institute of Mental Health, Tianjin Anding Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Human Genetics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Qianghua Xia
- Department of Cell Biology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), Tianjin Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, Tianjin Institute of Immunology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Birth Defects for Prevention and Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Aschner M, Martins AC, Oliveira-Paula GH, Skalny AV, Zaitseva IP, Bowman AB, Kirichuk AA, Santamaria A, Tizabi Y, Tinkov AA. Manganese in autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: The state of the art. Curr Res Toxicol 2024; 6:100170. [PMID: 38737010 PMCID: PMC11088232 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2024.100170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The objective of the present narrative review was to synthesize existing clinical and epidemiological findings linking manganese (Mn) exposure biomarkers to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and to discuss key pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders that may be affected by this metal. Existing epidemiological data demonstrated both direct and inverse association between Mn body burden and ASD, or lack of any relationship. In contrast, the majority of studies revealed significantly higher Mn levels in subjects with ADHD, as well as direct relationship between Mn body burden with hyperactivity and inattention scores in children, although several studies reported contradictory results. Existing laboratory studies demonstrated that impaired attention and hyperactivity in animals following Mn exposure was associated with dopaminergic dysfunction and neuroinflammation. Despite lack of direct evidence on Mn-induced neurobiological alterations in patients with ASD and ADHD, a plethora of studies demonstrated that neurotoxic effects of Mn overexposure may interfere with key mechanisms of pathogenesis inherent to these neurodevelopmental disorders. Specifically, Mn overload was shown to impair not only dopaminergic neurotransmission, but also affect metabolism of glutamine/glutamate, GABA, serotonin, noradrenaline, thus affecting neuronal signaling. In turn, neurotoxic effects of Mn may be associated with its ability to induce oxidative stress, apoptosis, and neuroinflammation, and/or impair neurogenesis. Nonetheless, additional detailed studies are required to evaluate the association between environmental Mn exposure and/or Mn body burden and neurodevelopmental disorders at a wide range of concentrations to estimate the potential dose-dependent effects, as well as environmental and genetic factors affecting this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Airton C. Martins
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | | | - Anatoly V. Skalny
- Department of Medical Elementology, and Department of Human Ecology and Bioelementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
- Center of Bioelementology and Human Ecology, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Irina P. Zaitseva
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
| | - Aaron B. Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2051, USA
| | - Anatoly A. Kirichuk
- Department of Medical Elementology, and Department of Human Ecology and Bioelementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Nanotecnología y Nanomedicina, Departamento de Cuidado de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Xochimilco, Mexico City 04960, Mexico
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC 20059, USA
| | - Alexey A. Tinkov
- Department of Medical Elementology, and Department of Human Ecology and Bioelementology, Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Moscow 117198, Russia
- Center of Bioelementology and Human Ecology, IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Ecobiomonitoring and Quality Control, Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl 150003, Russia
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Taheri F, Joushi S, Esmaeilpour K, Ebrahimi MN, Taherizadeh Z, Taheri P, Sheibani V. Transmission of behavioral and cognitive impairments across generations in rats subjected to prenatal valproic acid exposure. Birth Defects Res 2024; 116:e2309. [PMID: 38343145 DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents an inheritable neurodevelopmental condition characterized by social communication deficits and repetitive behaviors. Numerous studies have underscored the significant roles played by genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of ASD, and these factors are known to perpetuate behavioral impairments across generations. OBJECTIVES The primary objective of this study was to assess the behavioral and cognitive attributes in the second filial (F2) generation of male and female rats, with a particular focus on those whose parents had been exposed to valproic acid (VPA) during embryonic development. METHODS In this study, a cohort of 32 male and 32 female rats from the second filial (F2) generation, referred to as Mother.ASD, Father.ASD, or Both.ASD, was examined. These designations indicate whether the mother, father, or both parents had experienced embryonic exposure to valproic acid (600 mg/kg, i.p.). During adolescence, the F2 pups underwent behavioral and cognitive assessments, including open field testing, marble burying, social interaction evaluations, and Morris water maze tasks. RESULTS Our data revealed that while both the Mother.ASD and Father.ASD groups, regardless of sex, exhibited elevated anxiety-like behavior in the open field test. Only the Mother.ASD group displayed repetitive behaviors and deficits in social memory. Additionally, spatial memory impairments were observed in both sexes. These findings highlight the transmission of autistic-like behaviors in the offspring of Mother.ASD rats from both sexes. Nevertheless, future research endeavors should be more targeted in identifying the specific genes responsible for this transmission. CONCLUSION In summary, our findings underscore the transmission of autistic-like behaviors, including anxiety-like behavior, repetitive actions, impairments in social interactions, and deficits in memory, to the offspring of the Mother.ASD group, irrespective of their sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farahnaz Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Joushi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
- Public health school, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohammad Navid Ebrahimi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Taherizadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Parichehr Taheri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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Bhuvaneshwar K, Gusev Y. Translational bioinformatics and data science for biomarker discovery in mental health: an analytical review. Brief Bioinform 2024; 25:bbae098. [PMID: 38493340 PMCID: PMC10944574 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbae098] [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: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Translational bioinformatics and data science play a crucial role in biomarker discovery as it enables translational research and helps to bridge the gap between the bench research and the bedside clinical applications. Thanks to newer and faster molecular profiling technologies and reducing costs, there are many opportunities for researchers to explore the molecular and physiological mechanisms of diseases. Biomarker discovery enables researchers to better characterize patients, enables early detection and intervention/prevention and predicts treatment responses. Due to increasing prevalence and rising treatment costs, mental health (MH) disorders have become an important venue for biomarker discovery with the goal of improved patient diagnostics, treatment and care. Exploration of underlying biological mechanisms is the key to the understanding of pathogenesis and pathophysiology of MH disorders. In an effort to better understand the underlying mechanisms of MH disorders, we reviewed the major accomplishments in the MH space from a bioinformatics and data science perspective, summarized existing knowledge derived from molecular and cellular data and described challenges and areas of opportunities in this space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krithika Bhuvaneshwar
- Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics (ICBI), Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20007, USA
| | - Yuriy Gusev
- Innovation Center for Biomedical Informatics (ICBI), Georgetown University, Washington DC, 20007, USA
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Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
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Parrella NF, Hill AT, Dipnall LM, Loke YJ, Enticott PG, Ford TC. Inhibitory dysfunction and social processing difficulties in autism: A comprehensive narrative review. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 169:113-125. [PMID: 38016393 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
The primary inhibitory neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a prominent role in regulating neural development and function, with disruption to GABAergic signalling linked to behavioural phenotypes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. Such neurochemical disruption, likely resulting from diverse genetic and molecular mechanisms, particularly during early development, can subsequently affect the cellular balance of excitation and inhibition in neuronal circuits, which may account for the social processing difficulties observed in autism and related conditions. This comprehensive narrative review integrates diverse streams of research from several disciplines, including molecular neurobiology, genetics, epigenetics, and systems neuroscience. In so doing it aims to elucidate the relevance of inhibitory dysfunction to autism, with specific focus on social processing difficulties that represent a core feature of this disorder. Many of the social processing difficulties experienced in autism have been linked to higher levels of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate and/or lower levels of inhibitory GABA. While current therapeutic options for social difficulties in autism are largely limited to behavioural interventions, this review highlights the psychopharmacological studies that explore the utility of GABA modulation in alleviating such difficulties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aron T Hill
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Department of Psychiatry, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lillian M Dipnall
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Early Life Epigenetics Group, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Yuk Jing Loke
- Epigenetics Group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Peter G Enticott
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
| | - Talitha C Ford
- Cognitive Neuroscience Unit, School of Psychology, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia; Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Faculty of Health, Arts and Design, Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Guiducci L, Cabiati M, Santocchi E, Prosperi M, Morales MA, Muratori F, Randazzo E, Federico G, Calderoni S, Del Ry S. Expression of miRNAs in Pre-Schoolers with Autism Spectrum Disorders Compared with Typically Developing Peers and Its Effects after Probiotic Supplementation. J Clin Med 2023; 12:7162. [PMID: 38002774 PMCID: PMC10672692 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12227162] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Alteration of the microbiota-gut-brain axis has been recently recognized as a possible contributor to the physiopathology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In this context, microRNA (miRNAs) dysfunction, implicated both in several neuropathological conditions including ASD and in different gastrointestinal disorders (GIDs), could represent an important modulating factor. In this contextual framework, we studied the transcriptional profile of specific circulating miRNAs associated with both ASD (miR-197-5p, miR-424-5p, miR-500a-5p, miR-664a-5p) and GID (miR-21-5p, miR-320a-5p, miR-31-5p, miR-223-5p) in a group of pre-schoolers with ASD and in typically developing (TD) peers. In the ASD group, we also assessed the same miRNAs after a 6-month supplementation with probiotics and their correlation with plasma levels of zonulin and lactoferrin. At baseline, the expression of miRNAs involved in ASD were significantly reduced in ASD pre-schoolers vs. TD controls. Regarding the miRNAs involved in GID, the expression levels of miR-320-5p, miR-31-5p, and miR-223-5p were significantly higher in ASD than in TD subjects, whereas miR-21-5p showed significantly reduced expression in the ASD group vs. TD group. Supplementation with probiotics did not significantly change the expression of miRNAs in the ASD population. We found a significative negative correlation between zonulin and miR-197-5p and miR-21-5p at baseline, as well as between lactoferrin and miR-223-5p after 6 months of probiotic supplementation. Our study confirms the presence of an altered profile of the miRNAs investigated in ASD versus TD peers that was not modified by supplementation with probiotics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Guiducci
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Manuela Cabiati
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- UFSMIA Zona Valle del Serchio, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 55032 Castelnuovo di Garfagnana, Italy;
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- UFSMIA Valdera-Alta Val di Cecina, Azienda USL Toscana Nord Ovest, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Maria Aurora Morales
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Emioli Randazzo
- Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.R.); (G.F.)
| | - Giovanni Federico
- Unit of Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.R.); (G.F.)
| | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Silvia Del Ry
- CNR, Institute of Clinical Physiology, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (L.G.); (M.C.); (M.A.M.); (S.D.R.)
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Morales-Marín ME, Castro Martínez XH, Centeno Cruz F, Barajas-Olmos F, Náfate López O, Gómez Cotero AG, Orozco L, Nicolini Sánchez H. Differential DNA Methylation from Autistic Children Enriches Evidence for Genes Associated with ASD and New Candidate Genes. Brain Sci 2023; 13:1420. [PMID: 37891789 PMCID: PMC10605446 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13101420] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a result of the interaction between genes and the environment. The study of epigenetic factors that affect gene expression, such as DNA methylation, has become an important area of research in ASD. In recent years, there has been an increasing body of evidence pointing to epigenetic mechanisms that influence brain development, as in the case of ASD, when gene methylation dysregulation is present. Our analysis revealed 853 differentially methylated CpG in ASD patients, affecting 509 genes across the genome. Enrichment analysis showed five related diseases, including autistic disorder and mental disorders, which are particularly significant. In this work, we identified 64 genes that were previously reported in the SFARI gene database, classified according to their impact index. Additionally, we identified new genes that have not been previously reported as candidates with differences in the methylation patterns of Mexican children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirna Edith Morales-Marín
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (X.H.C.M.); (H.N.S.)
| | - Xochitl Helga Castro Martínez
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (X.H.C.M.); (H.N.S.)
| | - Federico Centeno Cruz
- Laboratorio de Inmunogenómica y Enfermedades Metabólicas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (F.C.C.); (F.B.-O.); (L.O.)
| | - Francisco Barajas-Olmos
- Laboratorio de Inmunogenómica y Enfermedades Metabólicas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (F.C.C.); (F.B.-O.); (L.O.)
| | - Omar Náfate López
- Hospital de Especialidades Pediátricas, Tuxtla Gutiérrez 29045, Mexico;
| | - Amalia Guadalupe Gómez Cotero
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud, Unidad Santo Tomás, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City 07738, Mexico;
| | - Lorena Orozco
- Laboratorio de Inmunogenómica y Enfermedades Metabólicas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (F.C.C.); (F.B.-O.); (L.O.)
| | - Humberto Nicolini Sánchez
- Laboratorio de Genómica de Enfermedades Psiquiátricas y Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City 14610, Mexico; (X.H.C.M.); (H.N.S.)
- Grupo Médico Carracci, Mexico City 03740, Mexico
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10
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You M, Li S, Yan S, Yao D, Wang T, Wang Y. Exposure to nonylphenol in early life causes behavioural deficits related with autism spectrum disorders in rats. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 180:108228. [PMID: 37802007 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.108228] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Early-life exposure to environmental endocrine disruptors (EDCs) is a potential risk factor for autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Exposure to nonylphenol (NP), a typical EDC, is known to cause some long-term behavioural abnormalities. Moreover, these abnormal behaviours are the most frequent psychiatric co-morbidities in ASD. However, the direct evidence for the link between NP exposure in early life and ASD-like behavioural phenotypes is still missing. In the present study, typical ASD-like behaviours induced by valproic acid treatment were considered as a positive behavioural control. We investigated impacts on social behaviours following early-life exposure to NP, and explored effects of this exposure on neuronal dendritic spines, mitochondria function, oxidative stress, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Furthermore, primary cultured rat neurons were employed as in vitro model to evaluate changes in dendritic spine caused by exposure to NP, and oxidative stress and ER stress were specifically modulated to further explore their roles in these changes. Our results indicated rats exposed to NP in early life showed mild ASD-like behaviours. Moreover, we also found the activation of ER stress triggered by oxidative stress may contribute to dendritic spine decrease and synaptic dysfunction, which may underlie neurobehavioural abnormalities induced by early-life exposure to NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingdan You
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; School of Public Heath, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyao Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Yan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Dianqi Yao
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Tingyu Wang
- College of Medical Laboratory, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Stress and Chronic Disease Control & Prevention (China Medical University), Ministry of Education, Shenyang, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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11
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Yildiz B, Schiedt L, Mulaw M, Bockmann J, Jesse S, Lutz AK, Boeckers TM. Shank3 related muscular hypotonia is accompanied by increased intracellular calcium concentrations and ion channel dysregulation in striated muscle tissue. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1243299. [PMID: 37745298 PMCID: PMC10511643 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1243299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Phelan-McDermid syndrome (PMS) is a syndromic form of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) classified as a rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorder featuring global developmental delay, absent or delayed speech, ASD-like behaviour and neonatal skeletal muscle hypotonia. PMS is caused by a heterozygous deletion of the distal end of chromosome 22q13.3 or SHANK3 mutations. We analyzed striated muscles of newborn Shank3Δ11(-/-) animals and found a significant enlargement of the sarcoplasmic reticulum as previously seen in adult Shank3Δ11(-/-) mice, indicative of a Shank3-dependent and not compensatory mechanism for this structural alteration. We analyzed transcriptional differences by RNA-sequencing of muscle tissue of neonatal Shank3Δ11(-/-) mice and compared those to Shank3(+/+) controls. We found significant differences in gene expression of ion channels crucial for muscle contraction and for molecules involved in calcium ion regulation. In addition, calcium storage- [i.e., Calsequestrin (CSQ)], calcium secretion- and calcium-related signaling-proteins were found to be affected. By immunostainings and Western blot analyses we could confirm these findings both in Shank3Δ11(-/-) mice and PMS patient muscle tissue. Moreover, alterations could be induced in vitro by the selective downregulation of Shank3 in C2C12 myotubes. Our results emphasize that SHANK3 levels directly or indirectly regulate calcium homeostasis in a cell autonomous manner that might contribute to muscular hypotonia especially seen in the newborn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berra Yildiz
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine, IGradU, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lisa Schiedt
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- International Graduate School in Molecular Medicine, IGradU, Ulm, Germany
| | - Medhanie Mulaw
- Unit for Single-cell Genomics, Medical Faculty, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jürgen Bockmann
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sarah Jesse
- Neurologie, Universitätsklinikum Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Anne-Kathrin Lutz
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tobias M. Boeckers
- Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Ulm Site, Ulm, Germany
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12
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Zappala C, Barrios CD, Depino AM. Social deficits in mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid are intergenerationally inherited and rescued by social enrichment. Neurotoxicology 2023; 97:89-100. [PMID: 37207798 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Intergenerational transmission of the effects of environmental factors on brain function and behavior can occur through epigenetic mechanisms. Valproic acid (VPA) is an anticonvulsant drug that, when administered during pregnancy, causes various birth defects. The mechanisms of action are largely unclear: VPA can reduce neuronal excitability, but it also inhibits the histone deacetylases, affecting gene expression. Here we evaluated whether the effects of valproic acid prenatal exposure on autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related behavioral phenotypes can be transmitted to the second generation (F2) through the paternal or the maternal lineage. Indeed, we found that F2 males of the VPA pedigree show reduced sociability, which can be rescued by exposing the animals to social enrichment. Moreover, as is the case for F1 males, F2 VPA males show increased c-Fos expression in the piriform cortex. However, F3 males show normal sociability, indicating that VPA's effects on this behavior are not transgenerationally inherited. Female behavior is not affected by VPA exposure, and we found no evidence of maternal transmission of the consequences of this pharmacological treatment. Finally, all animals exposed to VPA and their descendants show reduced body weight, highlighting an intriguing effect of this compound on metabolism. We propose the VPA model of ASD as a valuable mouse model to study the role of epigenetic inheritance and its underlying mechanisms affecting behavior and neuronal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Zappala
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio Dario Barrios
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Amaicha Mara Depino
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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13
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Rinaldi A, Marins Martins MC, De Almeida Martins Oliveira AC, Rinaldi S, Fontani V. Improving Functional Abilities in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Non-Invasive REAC Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization Treatments: A PEDI-CAT Study. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13050792. [PMID: 37240963 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13050792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, social interaction, and behavior. Non-invasive neuromodulation techniques, such as radioelectric asymmetric conveyer (REAC) technology, have gained attention for their potential to improve the endogenous bioelectric activity (EBA) and neurobiological processes underlying ASD. Neuro Postural Optimization (NPO) and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization (NPPO) treatments are non-invasive and painless neuromodulation treatments that utilize REAC technology and have shown promising results in improving the symptoms of ASD. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of NPO and NPPO treatments on functional abilities in children and adolescents with ASD using the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory-Computer Adaptive Test (PEDI-CAT). The study consisted of 27 children and adolescents with ASD who underwent a single session of NPO followed by 18 sessions of NPPO treatment over a period of one week. The results showed significant improvements in the children's and adolescents' functional abilities across all domains of the PEDI-CAT. These findings suggest that NPO and NPPO may be effective treatments for improving functional abilities in children and adolescents with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Rinaldi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Márcia C Marins Martins
- International Scientific Society of Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization with REAC Technology, Brazilian Branch, Sao Paulo 01000-000, Brazil
| | - Ana C De Almeida Martins Oliveira
- International Scientific Society of Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization with REAC Technology, Brazilian Branch, Sao Paulo 01000-000, Brazil
| | - Salvatore Rinaldi
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
| | - Vania Fontani
- Department of Adaptive Neuro Psycho Physio Pathology and Neuro Psycho Physical Optimization, Rinaldi Fontani Institute, 50144 Florence, Italy
- Research Department, Rinaldi Fontani Foundation, 50144 Florence, Italy
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14
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Sheppard SE, Bryant L, Wickramasekara RN, Vaccaro C, Robertson B, Hallgren J, Hulen J, Watson CJ, Faundes V, Duffourd Y, Lee P, Simon MC, de la Cruz X, Padilla N, Flores-Mendez M, Akizu N, Smiler J, Pellegrino Da Silva R, Li D, March M, Diaz-Rosado A, Peixoto de Barcelos I, Choa ZX, Lim CY, Dubourg C, Journel H, Demurger F, Mulhern M, Akman C, Lippa N, Andrews M, Baldridge D, Constantino J, van Haeringen A, Snoeck-Streef I, Chow P, Hing A, Graham JM, Au M, Faivre L, Shen W, Mao R, Palumbos J, Viskochil D, Gahl W, Tifft C, Macnamara E, Hauser N, Miller R, Maffeo J, Afenjar A, Doummar D, Keren B, Arn P, Macklin-Mantia S, Meerschaut I, Callewaert B, Reis A, Zweier C, Brewer C, Saggar A, Smeland MF, Kumar A, Elmslie F, Deshpande C, Nizon M, Cogne B, van Ierland Y, Wilke M, van Slegtenhorst M, Koudijs S, Chen JY, Dredge D, Pier D, Wortmann S, Kamsteeg EJ, Koch J, Haynes D, Pollack L, Titheradge H, Ranguin K, Denommé-Pichon AS, Weber S, Pérez de la Fuente R, Sánchez del Pozo J, Lezana Rosales JM, Joset P, Steindl K, Rauch A, Mei D, Mari F, Guerrini R, Lespinasse J, Tran Mau-Them F, Philippe C, Dauriat B, Raymond L, Moutton S, Cueto-González AM, Tan TY, Mignot C, Grotto S, Renaldo F, Drivas TG, Hennessy L, Raper A, Parenti I, Kaiser FJ, Kuechler A, Busk ØL, Islam L, Siedlik JA, Henderson LB, Juusola J, Person R, Schnur RE, Vitobello A, Banka S, Bhoj EJ, Stessman HA. Mechanism of KMT5B haploinsufficiency in neurodevelopment in humans and mice. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade1463. [PMID: 36897941 PMCID: PMC10005179 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pathogenic variants in KMT5B, a lysine methyltransferase, are associated with global developmental delay, macrocephaly, autism, and congenital anomalies (OMIM# 617788). Given the relatively recent discovery of this disorder, it has not been fully characterized. Deep phenotyping of the largest (n = 43) patient cohort to date identified that hypotonia and congenital heart defects are prominent features that were previously not associated with this syndrome. Both missense variants and putative loss-of-function variants resulted in slow growth in patient-derived cell lines. KMT5B homozygous knockout mice were smaller in size than their wild-type littermates but did not have significantly smaller brains, suggesting relative macrocephaly, also noted as a prominent clinical feature. RNA sequencing of patient lymphoblasts and Kmt5b haploinsufficient mouse brains identified differentially expressed pathways associated with nervous system development and function including axon guidance signaling. Overall, we identified additional pathogenic variants and clinical features in KMT5B-related neurodevelopmental disorder and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of the disorder using multiple model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Sheppard
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Unit on Vascular Malformations, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Laura Bryant
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Rochelle N. Wickramasekara
- Stessman Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, NE, USA
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Courtney Vaccaro
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brynn Robertson
- Stessman Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jodi Hallgren
- Stessman Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Jason Hulen
- Stessman Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Cynthia J. Watson
- Stessman Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Victor Faundes
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Laboratorio de Genética y Enfermedades Metabólicas, Instituto de Nutrición y Tecnología de los Alimentos (INTA), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Yannis Duffourd
- Unité Fonctionnelle d’Innovation diagnostique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Pearl Lee
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M. Celeste Simon
- Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Xavier de la Cruz
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca I Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Natália Padilla
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marco Flores-Mendez
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Naiara Akizu
- Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Smiler
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- 10x Genomics, Pleasanton, CA, USA
| | | | - Dong Li
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael March
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abdias Diaz-Rosado
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - Zhao Xiang Choa
- Epithelial Epigenetics and Development Laboratory, A*STAR Skin Research Labs, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Chin Yan Lim
- Epithelial Epigenetics and Development Laboratory, A*STAR Skin Research Labs, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Christèle Dubourg
- Laboratoire de Génétique Moléculaire et Génomique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes 35033, France
| | - Hubert Journel
- Service de Génétique Médicale, Hopital Chubert, Vannes, Bretagne, France
| | - Florence Demurger
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Service de Génétique Clinique, Centre de Référence Maladies Rares Centre Labellisé Anomalies du Développement-Ouest, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Rennes, Rennes 35033, France
| | - Maureen Mulhern
- Department of Pathology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Cigdem Akman
- Department of Neurology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalie Lippa
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marisa Andrews
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Dustin Baldridge
- Division of Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - John Constantino
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Arie van Haeringen
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Irina Snoeck-Streef
- Department of Child Neurology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Penny Chow
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Craniofacial Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Anne Hing
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Craniofacial Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - John M. Graham
- Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Margaret Au
- Medical Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Laurence Faivre
- UFR Des Sciences de Santé, INSERM–Université de Bourgogne UMR1231 GAD “Génétique des Anomalies du Développement,” FHU-TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
- Centre de Référence Anomalies du Développement et Syndromes Malformatifs, CHU Dijon, Bourgogne, France
| | - Wei Shen
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rong Mao
- University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | | | | | - William Gahl
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Cynthia Tifft
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Ellen Macnamara
- NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Natalie Hauser
- Medical Genetics, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca Miller
- Medical Genetics, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Jessica Maffeo
- Medical Genetics, Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA, USA
| | - Alexandra Afenjar
- AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Département de neuropediatrie, Hospital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Diane Doummar
- AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Département de neuropediatrie, Hospital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Boris Keren
- Genetic Department, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Pamela Arn
- Department of Pediatrics, Nemours Children’s Specialty Care, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | | | - Ilse Meerschaut
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bert Callewaert
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - André Reis
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christiane Zweier
- Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Human Genetics, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Carole Brewer
- Clinical Genetics Department, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Heavitree), Exeter EX1 2ED, UK
| | - Anand Saggar
- Clinical Genetics Department, St George’s Hospital, St George’s Healthcare NHS Trust, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Marie F. Smeland
- Department of Medical Genetics, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
- Department of Pediatric Rehabilitation, University Hospital of North Norway, Norway
| | - Ajith Kumar
- Northeast Thames Regional Genetics Service, Great Ormond Street Hospital, London WC1N 3JH, UK
| | - Frances Elmslie
- South West Thames Centre for Genomics, St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London SW17 0QT, UK
| | - Charu Deshpande
- Department of Medical Genetics, Guy’s Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - Mathilde Nizon
- CHU Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, 9 quai Moncousu, 44093 Nantes CEDEX 1, France
| | - Benjamin Cogne
- CHU Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, 9 quai Moncousu, 44093 Nantes CEDEX 1, France
- Nantes Université, CNRS, INSERM, L’institut du thorax, F-44000 Nantes, France
| | - Yvette van Ierland
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Martina Wilke
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marjon van Slegtenhorst
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Koudijs
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus University Medical Center–Sophia Children’s Hospital, P.O. Box 2040, 3000 CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jin Yun Chen
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Dredge
- University Children’s Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Danielle Pier
- Neurology Department, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Saskia Wortmann
- University Children’s Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Salzburg, Austria
- Amalia Children’s Hospital, RadboudUMC Nijmegen, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Erik-Jan Kamsteeg
- University Children’s Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Johannes Koch
- University Children’s Hospital Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Salzburg, Austria
| | - Devon Haynes
- Division of Genetics, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children–Orlando Health, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Lynda Pollack
- Division of Genetics, Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children–Orlando Health, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Hannah Titheradge
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Trust, Birmingham B15 2TG, UK
| | - Kara Ranguin
- Department of Genetics, Reference Centre for Rare Diseases and Developmental Anomalies, Caen Hospital, Caen, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Denommé-Pichon
- Unité Fonctionnelle d’Innovation diagnostique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
- UFR Des Sciences de Santé, INSERM–Université de Bourgogne UMR1231 GAD “Génétique des Anomalies du Développement,” FHU-TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
| | - Sacha Weber
- Department of Genetics, Reference Centre for Rare Diseases and Developmental Anomalies, Caen Hospital, Caen, France
| | | | - Jaime Sánchez del Pozo
- UDISGEN (Unidad de Dismorfología y Genética) 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pascal Joset
- University of Zurich, Institute of Medical Genetics, 8952 Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Steindl
- University of Zurich, Institute of Medical Genetics, 8952 Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Anita Rauch
- University of Zurich, Institute of Medical Genetics, 8952 Schlieren-Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, 8032 Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, URPP Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning (AdaBD), Zurich, Switzerland
- University of Zurich Research Priority Program (URPP) AdaBD: Adaptive Brain Circuits in Development and Learning, Zurich 8006, Switzerland
- University of Zurich Research Priority Program (URPP) ITINERARE: Innovative Therapies in Rare Diseases, Zurich 8006, Switzerland
| | - Davide Mei
- Pediatric Neurology, Neurogenetics and Neurobiology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children’s Hospital, Member of ERN Epicare, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Mari
- Pediatric Neurology, Neurogenetics and Neurobiology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children’s Hospital, Member of ERN Epicare, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Renzo Guerrini
- Pediatric Neurology, Neurogenetics and Neurobiology Unit and Laboratories, Meyer Children’s Hospital, Member of ERN Epicare, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - James Lespinasse
- UF de Génétique Chromosomique, Centre Hospitalier de Chambéry, Hôtel-dieu, France
| | - Frédéric Tran Mau-Them
- Unité Fonctionnelle d’Innovation diagnostique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
- UFR Des Sciences de Santé, INSERM–Université de Bourgogne UMR1231 GAD “Génétique des Anomalies du Développement,” FHU-TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
| | - Christophe Philippe
- Unité Fonctionnelle d’Innovation diagnostique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
- UFR Des Sciences de Santé, INSERM–Université de Bourgogne UMR1231 GAD “Génétique des Anomalies du Développement,” FHU-TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
| | - Benjamin Dauriat
- Service de cytogénétique et génétique médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Limoges, France
| | - Laure Raymond
- Service de génétique, Laboratoire Eurofins Biomnis, Lyon, France
| | | | - Anna M. Cueto-González
- Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics, Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Tiong Yang Tan
- Victorian Clinical Genetics Services, Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Cyril Mignot
- AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Département de Génétique, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Grotto
- AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Département de Génétique, Paris, France
| | - Florence Renaldo
- AP-HP, Sorbonne Université, Département de neuropediatrie, Centre de référence neurogénétique, Hôpital Armand Trousseau, Paris, France
| | - Theodore G. Drivas
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Laura Hennessy
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anna Raper
- Division of Translational Medicine and Human Genetics, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ilaria Parenti
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Frank J. Kaiser
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Essener Zentrum für Seltene Erkrankungen (EZSE), Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Alma Kuechler
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Øyvind L. Busk
- Department of Medical Genetics, Telemark Hospital Trust, 3710 Skien, Norway
| | - Lily Islam
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Trust, Birmingham B15 2TG, UK
| | - Jacob A. Siedlik
- Department of Exercise Science and Pre-Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | | | | | | | - Rhonda E. Schnur
- GeneDx, Gaithersburg, MD, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics Cooper Medical School of Rowan University Cooper University Health Care 3, Cooper Plaza, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Antonio Vitobello
- Unité Fonctionnelle d’Innovation diagnostique des maladies rares, FHU-TRANSLAD, CHU Dijon Bourgogne, Dijon, France
- UFR Des Sciences de Santé, INSERM–Université de Bourgogne UMR1231 GAD “Génétique des Anomalies du Développement,” FHU-TRANSLAD, Dijon, France
| | - Siddharth Banka
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Elizabeth J. Bhoj
- Center for Applied Genomics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Holly A. F. Stessman
- Stessman Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Creighton University Medical School, Omaha, NE, USA
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15
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Singh R, Kisku A, Kungumaraj H, Nagaraj V, Pal A, Kumar S, Sulakhiya K. Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Recent Update on Targeting Inflammatory Pathways with Natural Anti-Inflammatory Agents. Biomedicines 2023; 11:115. [PMID: 36672623 PMCID: PMC9856079 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous category of developmental psychiatric disorders which is characterized by inadequate social interaction, less communication, and repetitive phenotype behavior. ASD is comorbid with various types of disorders. The reported prevalence is 1% in the United Kingdom, 1.5% in the United States, and ~0.2% in India at present. The natural anti-inflammatory agents on brain development are linked to interaction with many types of inflammatory pathways affected by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental variables. Inflammatory targeting pathways have already been linked to ASD. However, these routes are diluted, and new strategies are being developed in natural anti-inflammatory medicines to treat ASD. This review summarizes the numerous preclinical and clinical studies having potential protective effects and natural anti-inflammatory agents on the developing brain during pregnancy. Inflammation during pregnancy activates the maternal infection that likely leads to the development of neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring. The inflammatory pathways have been an effective target for the subject of translational research studies on ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramu Singh
- Neuro Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak 484887, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Anglina Kisku
- Neuro Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak 484887, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Haripriya Kungumaraj
- Department of Kinesiology and Health, School of Art and Sciences, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Vini Nagaraj
- Keck Center for Collaborative Neuroscience, Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08554, USA
| | - Ajay Pal
- Shriners Hospitals Pediatric Research Center (Center for Neural Rehabilitation and Repair), Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Suneel Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Kunjbihari Sulakhiya
- Neuro Pharmacology Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak 484887, Madhya Pradesh, India
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16
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Zhai J, Li X, Zhou Y, Fan L, Xia W, Wang X, Li Y, Hou M, Wang J, Wu L. Correlation and predictive ability of sensory characteristics and social interaction in children with autism spectrum disorder. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1056051. [PMID: 37091701 PMCID: PMC10117963 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1056051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have different social characteristics and particular sensory processing patterns, and these sensory behaviors may affect their social functioning. The objective of our study is to investigate the sensory profiles of children with ASD and their association with social behavior. Specifically, we aim to identify the predictive role of sensory processing in social functioning. Methods The Short Sensory Profile (SSP) was utilized to analyze sensory differences between ASD children and their peers. The Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and other clinical scales were employed to assess the social functioning of children with ASD. Additionally, the predictive ability of sensory perception on social performance was discussed using random forest and support vector machine (SVM) models. Results The SSP scores of ASD children were lower than those of the control group, and there was a significant negative correlation between SSP scores and clinical scale scores (P < 0.05). The random forest and SVM models, using all the features, showed higher sensitivity, while the random forest model with 7-feature factors had the highest specificity. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) for all the models was higher than 0.8. Conclusion Autistic children in our study have different patterns of sensory processing than their peers, which are significantly related to their patterns of social functioning. Sensory features can serve as a good predictor of social functioning in individuals with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhe Zhai
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoxue Li
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Heilongjiang Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, China
| | - Lili Fan
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Wei Xia
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yutong Li
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Meiru Hou
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jia Wang
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Jia Wang,
| | - Lijie Wu
- School of Public Health, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Lijie Wu,
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17
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Identification of the common neurobiological process disturbed in genetic and non-genetic models for autism spectrum disorders. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:589. [PMID: 36371739 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04617-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders. Genetic factors, along with non-genetic triggers, have been shown to play a causative role. Despite the various causes, a triad of common symptoms defines individuals with ASD; pervasive social impairments, impaired social communication, and repeated sensory-motor behaviors. Therefore, it can be hypothesized that different genetic and environmental factors converge on a single hypothetical neurobiological process that determines these behaviors. However, the cellular and subcellular signature of this process is, so far, not well understood. Here, we performed a comparative study using "omics" approaches to identify altered proteins and, thereby, biological processes affected in ASD. In this study, we mined publicly available repositories for genetic mouse model data sets, identifying six that were suitable, and compared them with in-house derived proteomics data from prenatal zinc (Zn)-deficient mice, a non-genetic mouse model with ASD-like behavior. Findings derived from these comparisons were further validated using in vitro neuronal cell culture models for ASD. We could show that a protein network, centered on VAMP2, STX1A, RAB3A, CPLX2, and AKAP5, is a key convergence point mediating synaptic vesicle release and recycling, a process affected across all analyzed models. Moreover, we demonstrated that Zn availability has predictable functional effects on synaptic vesicle release in line with the alteration of proteins in this network. In addition, drugs that target kinases, reported to regulate key proteins in this network, similarly impacted the proteins' levels and distribution. We conclude that altered synaptic stability and plasticity through abnormal synaptic vesicle dynamics and function may be the common neurobiological denominator of the shared behavioral abnormalities in ASD and, therefore, a prime drug target for developing therapeutic strategies.
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18
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Anne A, Saxena S, Mohan KN. Genome-wide methylation analysis of post-mortem cerebellum samples supports the role of peroxisomes in autism spectrum disorder. Epigenomics 2022; 14:1015-1027. [PMID: 36154275 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We tested the hypothesis that a subset of patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) contains candidate genes with high DNA methylation differences (effective values) that potentially affect one of the two alleles. Materials & methods: Genome-wide DNA methylation comparisons were made on cerebellum samples from 30 patients and 45 controls. Results: 12 genes with high effective values, including GSDMD, MMACHC, SLC6A5 and NKX6-2, implicated in ASD and other neuropsychiatric disorders were identified. Monoallelic promoter methylation and downregulation were observed for SERHL (serine hydrolase-like) and CAT (catalase) genes associated with peroxisome function. Conclusion: These data are consistent with the hypothesis implicating impaired peroxisome function/biogenesis for ASD. A similar approach holds promise for identifying rare epimutations in ASD and other complex disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anuhya Anne
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, 500 078, India.,Centre for Human Disease Research, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, 500 078, India
| | - Sonal Saxena
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, 500 078, India
| | - Kommu Naga Mohan
- Molecular Biology and Genetics Laboratory, Department of Biological Sciences, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, 500 078, India.,Centre for Human Disease Research, Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani - Hyderabad Campus, 500 078, India
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19
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Legüe M. Relevancia de los mecanismos epigenéticos en el neurodesarrollo normal y consecuencias de sus perturbaciones. REVISTA MÉDICA CLÍNICA LAS CONDES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.rmclc.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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20
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Mapelli L, Soda T, D’Angelo E, Prestori F. The Cerebellar Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorders: From the Social Brain to Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073894. [PMID: 35409253 PMCID: PMC8998980 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders that include a variety of forms and clinical phenotypes. This heterogeneity complicates the clinical and experimental approaches to ASD etiology and pathophysiology. To date, a unifying theory of these diseases is still missing. Nevertheless, the intense work of researchers and clinicians in the last decades has identified some ASD hallmarks and the primary brain areas involved. Not surprisingly, the areas that are part of the so-called “social brain”, and those strictly connected to them, were found to be crucial, such as the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, limbic system, and dopaminergic pathways. With the recent acknowledgment of the cerebellar contribution to cognitive functions and the social brain, its involvement in ASD has become unmistakable, though its extent is still to be elucidated. In most cases, significant advances were made possible by recent technological developments in structural/functional assessment of the human brain and by using mouse models of ASD. Mouse models are an invaluable tool to get insights into the molecular and cellular counterparts of the disease, acting on the specific genetic background generating ASD-like phenotype. Given the multifaceted nature of ASD and related studies, it is often difficult to navigate the literature and limit the huge content to specific questions. This review fulfills the need for an organized, clear, and state-of-the-art perspective on cerebellar involvement in ASD, from its connections to the social brain areas (which are the primary sites of ASD impairments) to the use of monogenic mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Mapelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
| | - Teresa Soda
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
| | - Egidio D’Angelo
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Brain Connectivity Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Francesca Prestori
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (T.S.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence: (L.M.); (F.P.)
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21
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Montanari M, Martella G, Bonsi P, Meringolo M. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Focus on Glutamatergic Neurotransmission. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073861. [PMID: 35409220 PMCID: PMC8998955 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Disturbances in the glutamatergic system have been increasingly documented in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Glutamate-centered theories of ASD are based on evidence from patient samples and postmortem studies, as well as from studies documenting abnormalities in glutamatergic gene expression and metabolic pathways, including changes in the gut microbiota glutamate metabolism in patients with ASD. In addition, preclinical studies on animal models have demonstrated glutamatergic neurotransmission deficits and altered expression of glutamate synaptic proteins. At present, there are no approved glutamatergic drugs for ASD, but several ongoing clinical trials are currently focusing on evaluating in autistic patients glutamatergic pharmaceuticals already approved for other conditions. In this review, we provide an overview of the literature concerning the role of glutamatergic neurotransmission in the pathophysiology of ASD and as a potential target for novel treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montanari
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria Meringolo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy; (M.M.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: (P.B.); (M.M.)
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22
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Ji Y, Chen R, Wang Q, Wei Q, Tao R, Li B. Leveraging Gene-Level Prediction as Informative Covariate in Hypothesis Weighting Improves Power for Rare Variant Association Studies. Genes (Basel) 2022; 13:381. [PMID: 35205424 PMCID: PMC8872452 DOI: 10.3390/genes13020381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-based rare variant association studies (RVASs) have low power due to the infrequency of rare variants and the large multiple testing burden. To correct for multiple testing, traditional false discovery rate (FDR) procedures which depend solely on P-values are often used. Recently, Independent Hypothesis Weighting (IHW) was developed to improve the detection power while maintaining FDR control by leveraging prior information for each hypothesis. Here, we present a framework to increase power of gene-based RVASs by incorporating prior information using IHW. We first build supervised machine learning models to assign each gene a prediction score that measures its disease risk, using the input of multiple biological features, fed with high-confidence risk genes and local background genes selected near GWAS significant loci as the training set. Then we use the prediction scores as covariates to prioritize RVAS results via IHW. We demonstrate the effectiveness of this framework through applications to RVASs in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. We found sizeable improvements in the number of significant associations compared to traditional FDR approaches, and independent evidence supporting the relevance of the genes identified by our framework but not traditional FDR, demonstrating the potential of our framework to improve power of gene-based RVASs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ji
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Y.J.); (R.C.); (Q.W.); (Q.W.)
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Rui Chen
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Y.J.); (R.C.); (Q.W.); (Q.W.)
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Quan Wang
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Y.J.); (R.C.); (Q.W.); (Q.W.)
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Y.J.); (R.C.); (Q.W.); (Q.W.)
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Ran Tao
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Y.J.); (R.C.); (Q.W.); (Q.W.)
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
| | - Bingshan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology & Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA; (Y.J.); (R.C.); (Q.W.); (Q.W.)
- Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
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23
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Makris G, Agorastos A, Chrousos GP, Pervanidou P. Stress System Activation in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Neurosci 2022; 15:756628. [PMID: 35095389 PMCID: PMC8793840 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.756628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mission of the human stress system is the maintenance of homeostasis in the presence of real or perceived, acute or chronic stressors. The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) are the stress system-related neuroendocrine pathways. There is abundant evidence that children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may exhibit atypical function within the HPA axis and the ANS both at the resting state and during the presence of social and/or non-social stressors. The aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date summary of the findings regarding stress system alterations in children and adolescents with ASD. We focus on the variations of stress hormones circadian rhythms, specifically cortisol and alpha-amylase (i.e., a surrogate index of epinephrine/norepinephrine secretion), and on the alterations of stress system responsivity to different stressors. Also, we present imaging and immunological findings that have been associated with stress system dysregulation in children and adolescents with ASD. Finally, we review the pivotal role of HPA axis-ANS coordination, the developmental trajectory of the stress system in ASD, and the possible role of early life stress in the dysregulation of the stress system demonstrated in children and adolescents with ASD. This synthesis will hopefully provide researchers with a foundation for an integrated approach to future research into stress system variations in children and adolescents with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerasimos Makris
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- *Correspondence: Gerasimos Makris,
| | - Agorastos Agorastos
- Department of Psychiatry II, Division of Neurosciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - George P. Chrousos
- University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Panagiota Pervanidou
- Unit of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, First Department of Pediatrics, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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24
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Abstract
Brain asymmetry is a hallmark of the human brain. Recent studies report a certain degree of abnormal asymmetry of brain lateralization between left and right brain hemispheres can be associated with many neuropsychiatric conditions. In this regard, some questions need answers. First, the accelerated brain asymmetry is programmed during the pre-natal period that can be called “accelerated brain decline clock”. Second, can we find the right biomarkers to predict these changes? Moreover, can we establish the dynamics of these changes in order to identify the right time window for proper interventions that can reverse or limit the neurological decline? To find answers to these questions, we performed a systematic online search for the last 10 years in databases using keywords. Conclusion: we need to establish the right in vitro model that meets human conditions as much as possible. New biomarkers are necessary to establish the “good” or the “bad” borders of brain asymmetry at the epigenetic and functional level as early as possible.
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Oztenekecioglu B, Mavis M, Osum M, Kalkan R. Genetic and Epigenetic Alterations in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Glob Med Genet 2021; 8:144-148. [PMID: 34877571 PMCID: PMC8635813 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1735540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
It is extremely important to understand the causes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which is a neurodevelopmental disease. Treatment and lifelong support of autism are also important to improve the patient's life quality. In this article, several findings were explained to understand the possible causes of ASD. We draw, outline, and describe ASD and its relation with the epigenetic mechanisms. Here, we discuss, several different factors leading to ASD such as environmental, epigenetic, and genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bugsem Oztenekecioglu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Merdiye Mavis
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Meryem Osum
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Rasime Kalkan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
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26
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Siddiqui S, Gunaseelan L, Shaikh R, Khan A, Mankad D, Hamid MA. Food for Thought: Machine Learning in Autism Spectrum Disorder Screening of Infants. Cureus 2021; 13:e18721. [PMID: 34790476 PMCID: PMC8584605 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.18721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Diagnoses of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are typically made after toddlerhood by examining behavioural patterns. Earlier identification of ASD enables earlier intervention and better outcomes. Machine learning provides a data-driven approach of diagnosing autism at an earlier age. This review aims to summarize recent studies and technologies utilizing machine learning based strategies to screen infants and children under the age of 18 months for ASD, and identify gaps that can be addressed in the future. We reviewed nine studies based on our search criteria, which includes primary studies and technologies conducted within the last 10 years that examine children with ASD or at high risk of ASD with a mean age of less than 18 months old. The studies must use machine learning analysis of behavioural features of ASD as major methodology. A total of nine studies were reviewed, of which the sensitivity ranges from 60.7% to 95.6%, the specificity ranges from 50% to 100%, and the accuracy ranges from 60.9% to 97.7%. Factors that contribute to the inconsistent findings include the varied presentation of ASD among patients and study design differences. Previous studies have shown moderate accuracy, sensitivity and specificity in the differentiation of ASD and non-ASD individuals under the age of 18 months. The application of machine learning and artificial intelligence in the screening of ASD in infants is still in its infancy, as observed by the granularity of data available for review. As such, much work needs to be done before the aforementioned technologies can be applied into clinical practice to facilitate early screening of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohaib Siddiqui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, CAN
| | - Luxhman Gunaseelan
- Department of Pediatrics, Saba University School of Medicine, The Bottom, BES
| | - Roohab Shaikh
- Department of Family Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, CAN
| | - Ahmed Khan
- Department of Pediatrics, Southern Health & Social Care NHS Trust, London, GBR
| | - Deepali Mankad
- Department of Developmental Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, CAN
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Türkoğlu S, Uçar HN, Çetin FH, Güler HA, Tezcan ME. The relationship between irritability and autism symptoms in children with ASD in COVID-19 home confinement period. Int J Clin Pract 2021; 75:e14742. [PMID: 34423522 PMCID: PMC8646706 DOI: 10.1111/ijcp.14742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 home confinement on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms and irritability in children and adolescents with ASD. METHOD The study participants included 46 drug-naive children aged 4-17 years diagnosed with ASD. Parents of the participants completed the Autism Behaviour Checklist (AuBC) and Affective Reactivity Index (ARI) scales for both normal conditions and COVID-19 home confinement. RESULTS All subscale scores for AuBC (sensory, relating, body and object use, language, and social and self-help) and ARI scores significantly increased during the COVID-19 home confinement period (P < .05). The participants' irritability and ASD symptoms were significantly worse during the COVID-19 outbreak and home confinement period compared to normal conditions. The variables that predicted irritability were the social and self-help subscales of AuBC. DISCUSSION These results have alerted us of the importance of focusing on the symptoms such as irritability exhibited by extremely vulnerable populations during disease outbreaks and of the necessity of developing new strategies to avoid such adverse outcomes in similar situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhat Türkoğlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatrySelcuk University Medicine FacultyKonyaTurkey
| | - Halit Necmi Uçar
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatrySelcuk University Medicine FacultyKonyaTurkey
| | - Fatih Hilmi Çetin
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatrySelcuk University Medicine FacultyKonyaTurkey
| | - Hasan Ali Güler
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatrySelcuk University Medicine FacultyKonyaTurkey
| | - Mustafa Esat Tezcan
- Department of Child and Adolescent PsychiatrySelcuk University Medicine FacultyKonyaTurkey
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Neri de Souza Reis V, Tahira AC, Daguano Gastaldi V, Mari P, Portolese J, Feio dos Santos AC, Lisboa B, Mari J, Caetano SC, Brunoni D, Bordini D, Silvestre de Paula C, Vêncio RZN, Quackenbush J, Brentani H. Environmental Influences Measured by Epigenetic Clock and Vulnerability Components at Birth Impact Clinical ASD Heterogeneity. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12091433. [PMID: 34573415 PMCID: PMC8467464 DOI: 10.3390/genes12091433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is recognized as being heavily influenced by genetic factors, the role of epigenetic and environmental factors is still being established. This study aimed to identify ASD vulnerability components based on familial history and intrauterine environmental stress exposure, explore possible vulnerability subgroups, access DNA methylation age acceleration (AA) as a proxy of stress exposure during life, and evaluate the association of ASD vulnerability components and AA to phenotypic severity measures. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to search the vulnerability components from 67 mothers of autistic children. We found that PC1 had a higher correlation with psychosocial stress (maternal stress, maternal education, and social class), and PC2 had a higher correlation with biological factors (psychiatric family history and gestational complications). Comparing the methylome between above and below PC1 average subgroups we found 11,879 statistically significant differentially methylated probes (DMPs, p < 0.05). DMPs CpG sites were enriched in variably methylated regions (VMRs), most showing environmental and genetic influences. Hypermethylated probes presented higher rates in different regulatory regions associated with functional SNPs, indicating that the subgroups may have different affected regulatory regions and their liability to disease explained by common variations. Vulnerability components score moderated by epigenetic clock AA was associated with Vineland Total score (p = 0.0036, adjR2 = 0.31), suggesting risk factors with stress burden can influence ASD phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviane Neri de Souza Reis
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Ana Carolina Tahira
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
- Instituto Butantan, São Paulo 05503-900, SP, Brazil
| | - Vinícius Daguano Gastaldi
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Paula Mari
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Joana Portolese
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Ana Cecilia Feio dos Santos
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
- Laboratório de Pesquisas Básicas em Malária—Entomologia, Seção de Parasitologia—Instituto Evandro Chagas/SVS/MS, Ananindeua 66093-020, PA, Brazil
| | - Bianca Lisboa
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
| | - Jair Mari
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (J.M.); (S.C.C.); (D.B.); (C.S.d.P.)
| | - Sheila C. Caetano
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (J.M.); (S.C.C.); (D.B.); (C.S.d.P.)
| | - Décio Brunoni
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM), São Paulo 01302-907, SP, Brazil;
| | - Daniela Bordini
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (J.M.); (S.C.C.); (D.B.); (C.S.d.P.)
| | - Cristiane Silvestre de Paula
- Departamento de Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo 04023-062, SP, Brazil; (J.M.); (S.C.C.); (D.B.); (C.S.d.P.)
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (UPM), São Paulo 01302-907, SP, Brazil;
| | - Ricardo Z. N. Vêncio
- Departamento de Computação e Matemática FFCLRP-USP, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto 14040-901, SP, Brazil;
| | - John Quackenbush
- Center for Cancer Computational Biology, Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA; or
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Helena Brentani
- Departamento & Instituto de Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina FMUSP, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-903, SP, Brazil; (V.N.d.S.R.); (A.C.T.); (V.D.G.); (P.M.); (J.P.); (A.C.F.d.S.); (B.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-(11)-99-931-4349
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Influence of the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Activating Environmental Pollutants on Autism Spectrum Disorder. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179258. [PMID: 34502168 PMCID: PMC8431328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is an umbrella term that includes many different disorders that affect the development, communication, and behavior of an individual. Prevalence of ASD has risen exponentially in the past couple of decades. ASD has a complex etiology and traditionally recognized risk factors only account for a small percentage of incidence of the disorder. Recent studies have examined factors beyond the conventional risk factors (e.g., environmental pollution). There has been an increase in air pollution since the beginning of industrialization. Most environmental pollutants cause toxicities through activation of several cellular receptors, such as the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)/cytochrome P450 (CYPs) pathway. There is little research on the involvement of AhR in contributing to ASD. Although a few reviews have discussed and addressed the link between increased prevalence of ASD and exposure to environmental pollutants, the mechanism governing this effect, specifically the role of AhR in ASD development and the molecular mechanisms involved, have not been discussed or reviewed before. This article reviews the state of knowledge regarding the impact of the AhR/CYP pathway modulation upon exposure to environmental pollutants on ASD risk, incidence, and development. It also explores the molecular mechanisms involved, such as epigenesis and polymorphism. In addition, the review explores possible new AhR-mediated mechanisms of several drugs used for treatment of ASD, such as sulforaphane, resveratrol, haloperidol, and metformin.
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Jolodar SK, Bigdeli M, Moghaddam AH. Hypericin Ameliorates Maternal Separation-Induced Cognitive Deficits and Hippocampal Inflammation in Rats. Mini Rev Med Chem 2021; 21:1144-1149. [PMID: 32718290 DOI: 10.2174/1389557520666200727154453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Maternal separation as an epigenetic agent provokes a severe change in the brain, such as inflammation response, which is a key risk factor for the progression of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study evaluated the preventive effect of hypericin on maternal separation-induced cognitive deficits and hippocampal inflammation. METHODS Here, we reported that pups are subjected to maternal separations for 1 h per day from postnatal days (PND) 1-9 displayed apparent memory impairment in young rats (postnatal day 34) compared to controls group. Furthermore, maternal separation significantly increased inflammation factors in the hippocampus area. Anti-inflammation constituent shed light on treating ASD. RESULTS In this study, we found that treatment with hypericin (10 and 50 mg/kg) significantly suppresses expression of hippocampal interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the maternal separation rat model. Also, we found that hypericin prevented the decrease of hippocampal dopamine levels in the offspring of maternal separation rats. CONCLUSION The data indicated that hypericin may play a neuroprotective role in hippocampal cell and ameliorates dysfunctions in memory and level of inflammation factor in this autism model. Thus, hypericin could be used as an intervention for treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Khanjani Jolodar
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Bigdeli
- Department of Animal Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
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Neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorders: Exercise as a "pharmacological" tool. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 129:63-74. [PMID: 34310976 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The worldwide prevalence of ASD is around 1%. Although the pathogenesis of ASD is not entirely understood, it is recognized that a combination of genetic, epigenetics, environmental factors and immune system dysfunction can play an essential role in its development. It has been suggested that autism results from the central nervous system derangements due to low-grade chronic inflammatory reactions associated with the immune system activation. ASD individuals have increased microglial activation, density, and increased proinflammatory cytokines in the several brain regions. Autism has no available pharmacological treatments, however there are pedagogical and psychotherapeutic therapies, and pharmacological treatment, that help to control behavioral symptoms. Recent data indicate that exercise intervention programs may improve cognitive and behavioral symptoms in children with ASD. Exercise can also modify inflammatory profiles that will ameliorate associated metabolic disorders. This review highlights the involvement of neuroinflammation in ASD and the beneficial effects of physical exercise on managing ASD symptoms and associated comorbidities.
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Xiao J, Gao Y, Yu Y, Toft G, Zhang Y, Luo J, Xia Y, Chawarska K, Olsen J, Li J, Liew Z. Associations of parental birth characteristics with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in their offspring: a population-based multigenerational cohort study in Denmark. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 50:485-495. [PMID: 33411909 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal exposure risk factors are associated with increased autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. New hypotheses regarding multigenerational risk for ASD have been proposed, but epidemiological evidence is largely lacking. We evaluated whether parental birth characteristics, including preterm birth and low birthweight, were associated with ASD risk in offspring. METHODS We conducted a nationwide register-based cohort study that included 230 174 mother-child and 157 926 father-child pairs in Denmark. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for offspring ASD according to parental preterm (<37 weeks) and low birthweight (<2500 g) status, with or without adjustment for certain grandmaternal sociodemographic factors. Mediation analyses were performed for selected parental and offspring health-related factors. RESULTS Offspring of mothers or fathers with adverse birth characteristics had about 31-43% higher risk for ASD (maternal preterm birth, OR = 1.31, 95% CI= 1.12, 1.55; maternal low birthweight, OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17,1.57; paternal preterm birth, OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18, 1.73; paternal low birthweight, OR = 1.38, 95% CI= 1.13, 1.70). Parents born very preterm (<32 weeks) marked a nearly 2-fold increase in ASD risk in their children. These associations were slightly attenuated upon adjustment for grandmaternal sociodemographic factors. Mediation analyses suggested that parental social-mental and offspring perinatal factors might explain a small magnitude of the total effect observed, especially for maternal birth characteristic associations. CONCLUSIONS Offspring of parents born with adverse characteristics had an elevated risk for ASD. Transmission of ASD risk through maternal and paternal factors should be considered in future research on ASD aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Xiao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yu Gao
- Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongfu Yu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yawei Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jiajun Luo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuntian Xia
- Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zeyan Liew
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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Kichukova T, Petrov V, Popov N, Minchev D, Naimov S, Minkov I, Vachev T. Identification of serum microRNA signatures associated with autism spectrum disorder as promising candidate biomarkers. Heliyon 2021; 7:e07462. [PMID: 34286132 PMCID: PMC8278430 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA molecules with a well-recognized role in gene expression mostly at the post-transcriptional level. Recently, dysregulation of miRNAs and miRNA-mRNA interactions has been associated with CNS diseases, including numerous psychiatric disorders. Dynamic changes in the expression profiles of circulating miRNA are nowadays regarded as promising non-invasive biomarkers that may facilitate the accurate and timely diagnosis of complex conditions. Methods In this study, we investigated the gene expression patterns of four miRNAs, which were previously reported to be dysregulated in pooled serum samples taken from Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) patients and typically developing children. The performance of a diagnostic model for ASD based on these four miRNAs was assessed by a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, which evaluates the diagnostic accuracy of the investigated miRNA biomarkers for ASD. Finally, to examine the potential modulation of CNS-related biological pathways, we carried out target identification and pathway analyses of the selected miRNAs. Results Significant differential expression for all the four studied miRNAs: miR-500a-5p, miR-197-5p, miR-424-5p, and miR-664a-3p, was consistently measured in the samples from ASD patients. The ROC curve analysis demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity for miR-500a-5p, miR-197-5p, and miR-424-5p. With all miRNA expression data integrated into an additive ROC curve, the combination of miR-500a-5p and miR-197-5p provided the most powerful diagnostic model. On the other hand, the mRNA target mining showed that miR-424-5p and miR-500-5p regulate pools of target mRNA molecules which are enriched in a number of biological pathways associated with the development and differentiation of the nervous system. Conclusions The steady expression patterns of miR-500a-5p, miR-197-5p, miR-424-5p, and miR-664a-3p in ASD children suggest that these miRNAs can be considered good candidates for non-invasive molecular biomarkers in the study of ASD patients. The highest diagnostic potential is manifested by miR-500a-5p and miR-197-5p, whose combined ROC curve demonstrates very strong predictive accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Kichukova
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv, 24 Tzar Assen Street, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Veselin Petrov
- Department of Plant Physiology, Biochemistry and Genetics, Agricultural University of Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Nikolay Popov
- Psychiatric Ward for Active Treatment of Men, State Psychiatry Hospital Pazardzhik, Pazardzhik, Bulgaria
| | - Danail Minchev
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, 15-A Vassil Aprilov Blvd., Plovdiv, Bulgaria.,Division of Molecular and Regenerative Medicine, Research Institute at Medical University of 12 Plovdiv, 15A Vasil Aprilov Blvd, Plovdiv, 4000, Bulgaria
| | - Samir Naimov
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv, 24 Tzar Assen Street, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Ivan Minkov
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies (IMBB), Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Tihomir Vachev
- Department of Plant Physiology and Molecular Biology, "Paisii Hilendarski" University of Plovdiv, 24 Tzar Assen Street, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Srancikova A, Bacova Z, Bakos J. The epigenetic regulation of synaptic genes contributes to the etiology of autism. Rev Neurosci 2021; 32:791-802. [PMID: 33939901 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2021-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms greatly affect the developing brain, as well as the maturation of synapses with pervasive, long-lasting consequences on behavior in adults. Substantial evidence exists that implicates dysregulation of epigenetic mechanisms in the etiology of neurodevelopmental disorders. Therefore, this review explains the role of enzymes involved in DNA methylation and demethylation in neurodevelopment by emphasizing changes of synaptic genes and proteins. Epigenetic causes of sex-dependent differences in the brain are analyzed in conjunction with the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorders. Special attention is devoted to the epigenetic regulation of the melanoma-associated antigen-like gene 2 (MAGEL2) found in Prader-Willi syndrome, which is known to be accompanied by autistic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Srancikova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Jan Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
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Nezgovorova V, Ferretti CJ, Taylor BP, Shanahan E, Uzunova G, Hong K, Devinsky O, Hollander E. Potential of cannabinoids as treatments for autism spectrum disorders. J Psychiatr Res 2021; 137:194-201. [PMID: 33689997 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Current treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are limited in efficacy and are often associated with substantial side effects. These medications typically ameliorate problem behaviors associated with ASD, but do not target core symptom domains. As a result, there is a significant amount of research underway for development of novel experimental therapeutics. Endocannabinoids are arachidonic acid-derived lipid neuromodulators, which, in combination with their receptors and associated metabolic enzymes, constitute the endocannabinoid (EC) system. Cannabinoid signaling may be involved in the social impairment and repetitive behaviors observed in those with ASD. In this review, we discuss a possible role of the EC system in excitatory-inhibitory (E-I) imbalance and immune dysregulation in ASD. Novel treatments for the core symptom domains of ASD are needed and phytocannabinoids could be useful experimental therapeutics for core symptoms and associated domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Nezgovorova
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - C J Ferretti
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - B P Taylor
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - E Shanahan
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - G Uzunova
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - K Hong
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - O Devinsky
- New York University Comprehensive Epilepsy Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Hollander
- Autism and Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Program, Psychiatry Research Institute at Montefiore- Einstein (PRIME), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA.
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37
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Lewis EMA, Kaushik K, Sandoval LA, Antony I, Dietmann S, Kroll KL. Epigenetic regulation during human cortical development: Seq-ing answers from the brain to the organoid. Neurochem Int 2021; 147:105039. [PMID: 33915225 PMCID: PMC8387070 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation plays an important role in controlling gene expression during complex processes, such as development of the human brain. Mutations in genes encoding chromatin modifying proteins and in the non-protein coding sequences of the genome can potentially alter transcription factor binding or chromatin accessibility. Such mutations can frequently cause neurodevelopmental disorders, therefore understanding how epigenetic regulation shapes brain development is of particular interest. While epigenetic regulation of neural development has been extensively studied in murine models, significant species-specific differences in both the genome sequence and in brain development necessitate human models. However, access to human fetal material is limited and these tissues cannot be grown or experimentally manipulated ex vivo. Therefore, models that recapitulate particular aspects of human fetal brain development, such as the in vitro differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), are instrumental for studying the epigenetic regulation of human neural development. Here, we examine recent studies that have defined changes in the epigenomic landscape during fetal brain development. We compare these studies with analogous data derived by in vitro differentiation of hPSCs into specific neuronal cell types or as three-dimensional cerebral organoids. Such comparisons can be informative regarding which aspects of fetal brain development are faithfully recapitulated by in vitro differentiation models and provide a foundation for using experimentally tractable in vitro models of human brain development to study neural gene regulation and the basis of its disruption to cause neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M A Lewis
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue St, Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Komal Kaushik
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue St, Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Luke A Sandoval
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue St, Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Irene Antony
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue St, Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Sabine Dietmann
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue St, Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Kristen L Kroll
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Avenue St, Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Annesley SJ, Fisher PR. Lymphoblastoid Cell Lines as Models to Study Mitochondrial Function in Neurological Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4536. [PMID: 33926115 PMCID: PMC8123577 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, are collectively a major cause of death and disability worldwide. Whilst the underlying disease mechanisms remain elusive, altered mitochondrial function has been clearly implicated and is a key area of study in these disorders. Studying mitochondrial function in these disorders is difficult due to the inaccessibility of brain tissue, which is the key tissue affected in these diseases. To overcome this issue, numerous cell models have been used, each providing unique benefits and limitations. Here, we focussed on the use of lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) to study mitochondrial function in neurological disorders. LCLs have long been used as tools for genomic analyses, but here we described their use in functional studies specifically in regard to mitochondrial function. These models have enabled characterisation of the underlying mitochondrial defect, identification of altered signalling pathways and proteins, differences in mitochondrial function between subsets of particular disorders and identification of biomarkers of the disease. The examples provided here suggest that these cells will be useful for development of diagnostic tests (which in most cases do not exist), identification of drug targets and testing of pharmacological agents, and are a worthwhile model for studying mitochondrial function in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Jane Annesley
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia;
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39
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Singh RS, Singh KK, Singh SM. Origin of Sex-Biased Mental Disorders: An Evolutionary Perspective. J Mol Evol 2021; 89:195-213. [PMID: 33630117 PMCID: PMC8116267 DOI: 10.1007/s00239-021-09999-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism or sex bias in diseases and mental disorders have two biological causes: sexual selection and sex hormones. We review the role of sexual selection theory and bring together decades of molecular studies on the variation and evolution of sex-biased genes and provide a theoretical basis for the causes of sex bias in disease and health. We present a Sexual Selection-Sex Hormone theory and show that male-driven evolution, including sexual selection, leads to: (1) increased male vulnerability due to negative pleiotropic effects associated with male-driven sexual selection and evolution; (2) increased rates of male-driven mutations and epimutations in response to early fitness gains and at the cost of late fitness; and (3) enhanced female immunity due to antagonistic responses to mutations that are beneficial to males but harmful to females, reducing female vulnerability to diseases and increasing the thresholds for disorders such as autism. Female-driven evolution, such as reproduction-related fluctuation in female sex hormones in association with stress and social condition, has been shown to be associated with increased risk of certain mental disorders such as major depression disorder in women. Bodies have history, cells have memories. An evolutionary framework, such as the Sexual Selection–Sex Hormone theory, provides a historical perspective for understanding how the differences in the sex-biased diseases and mental disorders have evolved over time. It has the potential to direct the development of novel preventive and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama S Singh
- Department of Biology, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.
| | - Karun K Singh
- Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Shiva M Singh
- Department of Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
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40
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Mesleh AG, Abdulla SA, El-Agnaf O. Paving the Way toward Personalized Medicine: Current Advances and Challenges in Multi-OMICS Approach in Autism Spectrum Disorder for Biomarkers Discovery and Patient Stratification. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11010041. [PMID: 33450950 PMCID: PMC7828397 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in two main areas: social/communication skills and repetitive behavioral patterns. The prevalence of ASD has increased in the past two decades, however, it is not known whether the evident rise in ASD prevalence is due to changes in diagnostic criteria or an actual increase in ASD cases. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of ASD, symptoms vary in severity and may be accompanied by comorbidities such as epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Identifying biomarkers of ASD is not only crucial to understanding the biological characteristics of the disorder, but also as a detection tool for its early screening. Hence, this review gives an insight into the main areas of ASD biomarker research that show promising findings. Finally, it covers success stories that highlight the importance of precision medicine and the current challenges in ASD biomarker discovery studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Areej G. Mesleh
- Division of Genomics and Precision Medicine (GPM), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha 34110, Qatar;
| | - Sara A. Abdulla
- Neurological Disorder Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), HBKU, Doha 34110, Qatar
- Correspondence: (S.A.A.); (O.E.-A.)
| | - Omar El-Agnaf
- Division of Genomics and Precision Medicine (GPM), College of Health & Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), Doha 34110, Qatar;
- Neurological Disorder Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute (QBRI), HBKU, Doha 34110, Qatar
- Correspondence: (S.A.A.); (O.E.-A.)
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41
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García-Ortiz MV, de la Torre-Aguilar MJ, Morales-Ruiz T, Gómez-Fernández A, Flores-Rojas K, Gil-Campos M, Martin-Borreguero P, Ariza RR, Roldán-Arjona T, Perez-Navero JL. Analysis of Global and Local DNA Methylation Patterns in Blood Samples of Patients With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:685310. [PMID: 34676183 PMCID: PMC8524094 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.685310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The goal of this investigation was to determine whether there are alterations in DNA methylation patterns in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Material and Methods: Controlled prospective observational case-control study. Within the ASD group, children were sub-classified based on the presence (AMR subgroup) or absence (ANMR subgroup) of neurodevelopmental regression during the first 2 years of life. We analyzed the global levels of DNA methylation, reflected in LINE-1, and the local DNA methylation pattern in two candidate genes, Neural Cell Adhesion Molecule (NCAM1) and Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) that, according to our previous studies, might be associated to an increased risk for ASD. For this purpose, we utilized blood samples from pediatric patients with ASD (n = 53) and their corresponding controls (n = 45). Results: We observed a slight decrease in methylation levels of LINE-1 in the ASD group, compared to the control group. One of the CpG in LINE-1 (GenBank accession no.X58075, nucleotide position 329) was the main responsible for such reduction, highly significant in the ASD subgroup of children with AMR (p < 0.05). Furthermore, we detected higher NCAM1 methylation levels in ASD children, compared to healthy children (p < 0.001). The data, moreover, showed higher NGF methylation levels in the AMR subgroup, compared to the control group and the ANMR subgroup. These results are consistent with our prior study, in which lower plasma levels of NCAM1 and higher levels of NGF were found in the ANMR subgroup, compared to the subgroup that comprised neurotypically developing children. Conclusions: We have provided new clues about the epigenetic changes that occur in ASD, and suggest two potential epigenetic biomarkers that would facilitate the diagnosis of the disorder. We similarly present with evidence of a clear differentiation in DNA methylation between the ASD subgroups, with or without mental regression.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria García-Ortiz
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - María José de la Torre-Aguilar
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Teresa Morales-Ruiz
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Gómez-Fernández
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Katherine Flores-Rojas
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Pediatric Metabolism Unit, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition Networking Biomedical Research Center (CIBEROBN), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mercedes Gil-Campos
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Pediatric Metabolism Unit, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition Networking Biomedical Research Center (CIBEROBN), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Pilar Martin-Borreguero
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Child and Adolescent Clinical Psychiatry and Psychology, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Rafael R Ariza
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Teresa Roldán-Arjona
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Genetics, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Reina Sofía University Hospital, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Juan Luis Perez-Navero
- Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain.,Department of Pediatrics, Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain.,Biomedical Research Center-Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
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42
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Oliva CF, Gangi G, Marino S, Marino L, Messina G, Sciuto S, Cacciaguerra G, Comella M, Falsaperla R, Pavone P. Single and in combination antiepileptic drug therapy in children with epilepsy: how to use it. AIMS MEDICAL SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3934/medsci.2021013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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43
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Castejon AM, Spaw JA, Rozenfeld I, Sheinberg N, Kabot S, Shaw A, Hardigan P, Faillace R, Packer EE. Improving Antioxidant Capacity in Children With Autism: A Randomized, Double-Blind Controlled Study With Cysteine-Rich Whey Protein. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:669089. [PMID: 34658941 PMCID: PMC8514994 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.669089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies indicate that children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have lower levels of glutathione. Nutritional interventions aim to increase glutathione levels suggest a positive effect on ASD behaviors, but findings are mixed or non-significant. A commercially available nutritional supplement comprising a cysteine-rich whey protein isolate (CRWP), a potent precursor of glutathione, was previously found to be safe and effective at raising glutathione in several conditions associated with low antioxidant capacity. Therefore, we investigated the effectiveness of a 90-day CRWP intervention in children with ASD and examined whether intracellular reduced and oxidized glutathione improvements correlated with behavioral changes. We enrolled 46 (of 81 screened) 3-5-year-old preschool children with confirmed ASD. Using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design, we evaluated the effectiveness of daily CRWP (powder form: 0.5 g/kg for children <20 kg or a 10-g dose for those >20 kg), compared with placebo (rice protein mimicking the protein load in the intervention group), on glutathione levels and ASD behaviors assessed using different behavioral scales such as Childhood Autism Rated Scale, Preschool Language Scale, Social Communication Questionnaire, Childhood Behavioral Checklist and the parent-rated Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale, 2nd edition (VABS-II). Forty children (CRWP, 21; placebo, 19) completed the 90-day treatment period. Improvements observed in some behavioral scales were comparable. However, the VABS-II behavioral assessment, demonstrated significant changes only in children receiving CRWP compared to those observed in the placebo group in the composite score (effect size 0.98; 95% confidence intervals 1.42-4.02; p = 0.03). Further, several VABS-II domain scores such as adaptive behavior (p = 0.03), socialization (p = 0.03), maladaptive behavior (p = 0.04) and internalizing behavior (p = 0.02) also indicated significant changes. Children assigned to the CRWP group showed significant increases in glutathione levels (p = 0.04) compared to those in the placebo group. A subanalysis of the VABS-II scale results comparing responders (>1 SD change from baseline to follow up) and non-responders in the CRWP group identified older age and higher levels of total and reduced glutathione as factors associated with a response. CRWP nutritional intervention in children with ASD significantly improved both glutathione levels and some behaviors associated with ASD. Further studies are needed to confirm these results. Clinical Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/study/NCT01366859, identifier: NCT01366859.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Maria Castejon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Jordan Ashley Spaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Irina Rozenfeld
- Center for Collaborative Research, Institute for Neuro Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Nurit Sheinberg
- Mailman Segal Center, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Susan Kabot
- Mailman Segal Center, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Alexander Shaw
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Patrick Hardigan
- Statistical Consulting Center, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Rogerio Faillace
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Edward E Packer
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
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44
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Pua EPK, Thomson P, Yang JYM, Craig JM, Ball G, Seal M. Individual Differences in Intrinsic Brain Networks Predict Symptom Severity in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:681-693. [PMID: 32959054 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhaa252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurobiology of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is still unknown. We hypothesized that differences in subject-level properties of intrinsic brain networks were important features that could predict individual variation in ASD symptom severity. We matched cases and controls from a large multicohort ASD dataset (ABIDE-II) on age, sex, IQ, and image acquisition site. Subjects were matched at the individual level (rather than at group level) to improve homogeneity within matched case-control pairs (ASD: n = 100, mean age = 11.43 years, IQ = 110.58; controls: n = 100, mean age = 11.43 years, IQ = 110.70). Using task-free functional magnetic resonance imaging, we extracted intrinsic functional brain networks using projective non-negative matrix factorization. Intrapair differences in strength in subnetworks related to the salience network (SN) and the occipital-temporal face perception network were robustly associated with individual differences in social impairment severity (T = 2.206, P = 0.0301). Findings were further replicated and validated in an independent validation cohort of monozygotic twins (n = 12; 3 pairs concordant and 3 pairs discordant for ASD). Individual differences in the SN and face-perception network are centrally implicated in the neural mechanisms of social deficits related to ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Peng Kiat Pua
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia.,Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Phoebe Thomson
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph Yuan-Mou Yang
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia.,Neuroscience Research, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Neurosurgery, Neuroscience Advanced Clinical Imaging Suite (NACIS), The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Jeffrey M Craig
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia.,Molecular Epidemiology, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.,Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong VIC 3220, Australia
| | - Gareth Ball
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Marc Seal
- Developmental Imaging, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville VIC 3052, Australia.,Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville VIC 3010, Australia
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45
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Wagner KE, McCormick JB, Barns S, Carney M, Middleton FA, Hicks SD. Parent Perspectives Towards Genetic and Epigenetic Testing for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:3114-3125. [PMID: 30903561 PMCID: PMC6755071 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03990-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Examining community views on genetic/epigenetic research allows collaborative technology development. Parent perspectives toward genetic/epigenetic testing for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not well-studied. Parents of children with ASD (n = 131), non-ASD developmental delay (n = 39), and typical development (n = 74) completed surveys assessing genetic/epigenetic knowledge, genetic/epigenetic concerns, motives for research participation, and attitudes/preferences toward ASD testing. Most parents (96%) were interested in saliva-based molecular testing for ASD. Some had concerns about privacy (14%) and insurance-status (10%). None (0%) doubted scientific evidence behind genetic/epigenetic testing. Most reported familiarity with genetics (88%), but few understood differences from epigenetics (19%). Child developmental status impacted insurance concerns (p = 0.01). There is broad parent interest in a genetic/epigenetic test for ASD. It will be crucial to carefully consider and address bioethical issues surrounding this sensitive topic while developing such technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla E Wagner
- Quadrant Biosciences Inc., Syracuse, USA.,Departments of Neuroscience & Physiology, Psychiatry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pediatrics, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Jennifer B McCormick
- Department of Humanities, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive Mail Code H134, Hershey, USA
| | - Sarah Barns
- Quadrant Biosciences Inc., Syracuse, USA.,Departments of Neuroscience & Physiology, Psychiatry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pediatrics, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Molly Carney
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Mail Code HS83, Hershey, USA
| | - Frank A Middleton
- Departments of Neuroscience & Physiology, Psychiatry, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Pediatrics, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA
| | - Steven D Hicks
- Department of Pediatrics, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Mail Code HS83, Hershey, USA.
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46
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Sotgiu S, Manca S, Gagliano A, Minutolo A, Melis MC, Pisuttu G, Scoppola C, Bolognesi E, Clerici M, Guerini FR, Carta A. Immune regulation of neurodevelopment at the mother-foetus interface: the case of autism. Clin Transl Immunology 2020; 9:e1211. [PMID: 33209302 PMCID: PMC7662086 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder defined by deficits in social communication and stereotypical behaviours. ASD’s aetiology remains mostly unclear, because of a complex interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Recently, a strong consensus has developed around ASD’s immune‐mediated pathophysiology, which is the subject of this review. For many years, neuroimmunological studies tried to understand ASD as a prototypical antibody‐ or cell‐mediated disease. Other findings indicated the importance of autoimmune mechanisms such as familial and individual autoimmunity, adaptive immune abnormalities and the influence of infections during gestation. However, recent studies have challenged the idea that autism may be a classical autoimmune disease. Modern neurodevelopmental immunology shows the double‐edged nature of many immune effectors, which can be either beneficial or detrimental depending on tissue homeostasis, stressors, neurodevelopmental stage, inherited and de novo gene mutations and other variables. Nowadays, mother–child interactions in the prenatal environment appear to be crucial for the occurrence of ASD. Studies of animal maternal–foetal immune interaction are being fruitfully carried out using different combinations of type and timing of infection, of maternal immune response and foetal vulnerability and of resilience factors to hostile events. The derailed neuroimmune crosstalk through the placenta initiates and maintains a chronic foetal neuroglial activation, eventually causing the alteration of neurogenesis, migration, synapse formation and pruning. The importance of pregnancy can also allow early immune interventions, which can significantly reduce the increasing risk of ASD and its heavy social burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Sotgiu
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
| | - Salvatorica Manca
- Unità Operativa di Neuropsichiatria Infanzia e Adolescenza (UONPIA) ASSL Sassari Sassari Italy
| | - Antonella Gagliano
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
| | - Alessandra Minutolo
- Child & Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit Department of Biomedical Sciences University of Cagliari Cagliari Italy
| | - Maria Clotilde Melis
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
| | - Giulia Pisuttu
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
| | - Chiara Scoppola
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
| | | | - Mario Clerici
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi - ONLUS Milan Italy.,Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation University of Milano Milan Italy
| | | | - Alessandra Carta
- Unit of Child Neuropsychiatry Department of Medical Surgical and Experimental Sciences University of Sassari Sassari Italy
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47
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Markiewicz K, Kaczmarek BLJ, Filipiak S. Mediating Effect of Emotional and Social Competences on Interrelations Between Gender, Age and the Broad Autism Phenotype. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 51:3017-3027. [PMID: 33098036 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04756-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
The study aimed to identify the mediating role of emotional intelligence and social competences in the relationship between gender and broad autism phenotype (BAP) as well as between age and BAP. It comprised 85 parents of children with ASD. They completed the questionnaires of Autism-Spectrum Quotient, social competences, and emotional intelligence. The results revealed that emotional intelligence in general and its two dimensions: the ability to accept and express emotions and to empathize are important mediators of the relationship between gender and BAP. Also, social competences in general and two of their dimensions: the effectiveness of behavior in intimate situations and in social situations were significant mediators. The relationship between age and BAP could not be confirmed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Markiewicz
- Institute of Psychology and Human Sciences, University of Economics and Innovation, Projektowa 4, 20-209, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Bożydar L J Kaczmarek
- Institute of Psychology and Human Sciences, University of Economics and Innovation, Projektowa 4, 20-209, Lublin, Poland
| | - Sara Filipiak
- Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Plac Litewski 5, 20-080, Lublin, Poland
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48
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Amelioration of autism-like social deficits by targeting histone methyltransferases EHMT1/2 in Shank3-deficient mice. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:2517-2533. [PMID: 30659288 PMCID: PMC6639159 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0351-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 12/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Many of the genes disrupted in autism are identified as histone-modifying enzymes and chromatin remodelers, most prominently those that mediate histone methylation/demethylation. However, the role of histone methylation enzymes in the pathophysiology and treatment of autism remains unknown. To address this, we used mouse models of haploinsufficiency of the Shank3 gene (a highly penetrant monogenic autism risk factor), which exhibits prominent autism-like social deficits. We found that histone methyltransferases EHMT1 and EHMT2, as well as histone lysine 9 dimethylation (specifically catalyzed by EHMT1/2), were selectively increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of Shank3-deficient mice and autistic human postmortem brains. Treatment with the EHMT1/2 inhibitor UNC0642 or knockdown of EHMT1/2 in PFC induced a robust rescue of autism-like social deficits in Shank3-deficient mice, and restored NMDAR-mediated synaptic function. Activity-regulated cytoskeleton-associated protein (Arc) was identified as one of the causal factors underlying the rescuing effects of UNC0642 on NMDAR function and social behaviors in Shank3-deficient mice. UNC0642 treatment also restored a large set of genes involved in neural signaling in PFC of Shank3-deficient mice. These results suggest that targeting histone methylation enzymes to adjust gene expression and ameliorate synaptic defects could be a potential therapeutic strategy for autism.
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49
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Türkoğlu S, Uçar HN, Çetin FH, Güler HA, Tezcan ME. The relationship between chronotype, sleep, and autism symptom severity in children with ASD in COVID-19 home confinement period. Chronobiol Int 2020; 37:1207-1213. [PMID: 32746638 DOI: 10.1080/07420528.2020.1792485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between chronotype preference/sleep problems and symptom severity of children with Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during the confinement and social isolation of the COVID-19 outbreak. This study included 46 drug-naive children aged 4-17 y diagnosed with ASD. The Autism Behavior Checklist (AuBC), Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and Children's chronotype questionnaire (CCQ) were filled out before and at the end of the COVID-19 mandated home confinement by the children's parents. Children with ASD during the home confinement reported higher chronotype scores, i.e., eveningness chronotype, sleep problems, and autism symptom scores compared to the normal non-hone confinement state. The chronotype score and sleep problems of children with ASD during the home confinement period varied according to the AuBC score. The sleep problems of the children with ASD during the home confinement period mediated the relationship between chronotype score and severity of autism symptoms. It is essential to validate the role of the mediator effect of sleep problems and chronotype in larger samples of children with ASD with restricted to home confinement during the pandemic period. If sleep problems can be controlled with parental education, pharmacotherapy, and psychotherapeutic interventions, the impact on children with ASD of home confinement can be reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serhat Türkoğlu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Selcuk University Medicine Faculty , Konya, Turkey
| | - Halit Necmi Uçar
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Selcuk University Medicine Faculty , Konya, Turkey
| | - Fatih Hilmi Çetin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Selcuk University Medicine Faculty , Konya, Turkey
| | - Hasan Ali Güler
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Afyon State Hospital , Afyon, Turkey
| | - Muatafa Esat Tezcan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Selcuk University Medicine Faculty , Konya, Turkey
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50
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Johnson D, Letchumanan V, Thurairajasingam S, Lee LH. A Revolutionizing Approach to Autism Spectrum Disorder Using the Microbiome. Nutrients 2020; 12:E1983. [PMID: 32635373 PMCID: PMC7400420 DOI: 10.3390/nu12071983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The study of human microbiota and health has emerged as one of the ubiquitous research pursuits in recent decades which certainly warrants the attention of both researchers and clinicians. Many health conditions have been linked to the gut microbiota which is the largest reservoir of microbes in the human body. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is one of the neurodevelopmental disorders which has been extensively explored in relation to gut microbiome. The utilization of microbial knowledge promises a more integrative perspective in understanding this disorder, albeit being an emerging field in research. More interestingly, oral and vaginal microbiomes, indicating possible maternal influence, have equally drawn the attention of researchers to study their potential roles in the etiopathology of ASD. Therefore, this review attempts to integrate the knowledge of microbiome and its significance in relation to ASD including the hypothetical aetiology of ASD and its commonly associated comorbidities. The microbiota-based interventions including diet, prebiotics, probiotics, antibiotics, and faecal microbial transplant (FMT) have also been explored in relation to ASD. Of these, diet and probiotics are seemingly promising breakthrough interventions in the context of ASD for lesser known side effects, feasibility and easier administration, although more studies are needed to ascertain the actual clinical efficacy of these interventions. The existing knowledge and research gaps call for a more expanded and resolute research efforts in establishing the relationship between autism and microbiomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinyadarshini Johnson
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (D.J.); (V.L.)
| | - Vengadesh Letchumanan
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (D.J.); (V.L.)
| | - Sivakumar Thurairajasingam
- Clinical School Johor Bahru, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Johor Bahru 80100, Malaysia;
| | - Learn-Han Lee
- Novel Bacteria and Drug Discovery Research Group (NBDD), Microbiome and Bioresource Research Strength (MBRS), Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Malaysia; (D.J.); (V.L.)
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