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Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Bediwy AS, Bediwy EA, Elbeltagi R. Decoding the genetic landscape of autism: A comprehensive review. World J Clin Pediatr 2024; 13:98468. [PMID: 39350903 PMCID: PMC11438927 DOI: 10.5409/wjcp.v13.i3.98468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by heterogeneous symptoms and genetic underpinnings. Recent advancements in genetic and epigenetic research have provided insights into the intricate mechanisms contributing to ASD, influencing both diagnosis and therapeutic strategies. AIM To explore the genetic architecture of ASD, elucidate mechanistic insights into genetic mutations, and examine gene-environment interactions. METHODS A comprehensive systematic review was conducted, integrating findings from studies on genetic variations, epigenetic mechanisms (such as DNA methylation and histone modifications), and emerging technologies [including Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 and single-cell RNA sequencing]. Relevant articles were identified through systematic searches of databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar. RESULTS Genetic studies have identified numerous risk genes and mutations associated with ASD, yet many cases remain unexplained by known factors, suggesting undiscovered genetic components. Mechanistic insights into how these genetic mutations impact neural development and brain connectivity are still evolving. Epigenetic modifications, particularly DNA methylation and non-coding RNAs, also play significant roles in ASD pathogenesis. Emerging technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 and advanced bioinformatics are advancing our understanding by enabling precise genetic editing and analysis of complex genomic data. CONCLUSION Continued research into the genetic and epigenetic underpinnings of ASD is crucial for developing personalized and effective treatments. Collaborative efforts integrating multidisciplinary expertise and international collaborations are essential to address the complexity of ASD and translate genetic discoveries into clinical practice. Addressing unresolved questions and ethical considerations surrounding genetic research will pave the way for improved diagnostic tools and targeted therapies, ultimately enhancing outcomes for individuals affected by ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Beltagi
- Department of Pediatric, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Alghrabia, Tanta 31511, Egypt
- Department of Pediatric, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Nermin Kamal Saeed
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Salmaniya Medical Complex, Ministry of Health, Kingdom of Bahrain, Manama 12, Bahrain
- Medical Microbiology Section, Department of Pathology, Irish Royal College of Surgeon, Muharraq, Busaiteen 15503, Bahrain
| | - Adel Salah Bediwy
- Department of Pulmonology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Alghrabia, Tanta 31527, Egypt
- Department of Pulmonology, University Medical Center, King Abdulla Medical City, Arabian Gulf University, Manama 26671, Bahrain
| | - Eman A Bediwy
- Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Algharbia, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Reem Elbeltagi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland-Bahrain, Muharraq, Busiateen 15503, Bahrain
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Carrazana R, Espinoza F, Ávila A. Mechanistic perspective on the actions of vitamin a in autism spectrum disorder etiology. Neuroscience 2024; 554:72-82. [PMID: 39002756 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.012] [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: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/15/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin A (VA) has many functions in the body, some of which are key for the development and functioning of the nervous system, while some others might indirectly influence neural function. Both hypovitaminosis and hypervitaminosis A can lead to clinical manifestations of concern for individuals and for general global health. Scientific evidence on the link between VA and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is growing, with some clinical studies and accumulating results obtained from basic research using cellular and animal models. Remarkably, it has been shown that VA deficiency can exacerbate autistic symptomatology. In turn, VA supplementation has been shown to be able to improve autistic symptomatology in selected groups of individuals with ASD. However, it is important to recognize that ASD is a highly heterogeneous condition. Therefore, it is important to clarify how and when VA supplementation can be of benefit for affected individuals. Here we delve into the relationship between VA and ASD, discussing clinical observations and mechanistic insights obtained from research on selected autistic syndromes and laboratory models to advance in defining how the VA signaling pathway can be exploited for treatment of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramón Carrazana
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Francisca Espinoza
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | - Ariel Ávila
- Neurodevelopmental Biology Unit, Biomedical Sciences Research Laboratory, Basic Sciences Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile.
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Iqbal J, Huang GD, Xue YX, Yang M, Jia XJ. Role of estrogen in sex differences in memory, emotion and neuropsychiatric disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2024; 51:415. [PMID: 38472517 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-024-09374-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Estrogen regulates a wide range of neuronal functions in the brain, such as dendritic spine formation, remodeling of synaptic plasticity, cognition, neurotransmission, and neurodevelopment. Estrogen interacts with intracellular estrogen receptors (ERs) and membrane-bound ERs to produce its effect via genomic and non-genomic pathways. Any alterations in these pathways affect the number, size, and shape of dendritic spines in neurons associated with psychiatric diseases. Increasing evidence suggests that estrogen fluctuation causes changes in dendritic spine density, morphology, and synapse numbers of excitatory and inhibitory neurons differently in males and females. In this review, we discuss the role of estrogen hormone in rodents and humans based on sex differences. First, we explain estrogen role in learning and memory and show that a high estrogen level alleviates the deficits in learning and memory. Secondly, we point out that estrogen produces a striking difference in emotional memories in men and women, which leads them to display sex-specific differences in underlying neuronal signaling. Lastly, we discuss that fluctuations in estrogen levels in men and women are related to neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), bipolar disorder (BPD), major depressive disorder (MDD), substance use disorder (SUD), and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javed Iqbal
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital & Shenzhen Mental Health Center, No. 77 Zhenbi Road, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, 518118, Guangdong, China
| | - Geng-Di Huang
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital & Shenzhen Mental Health Center, No. 77 Zhenbi Road, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, 518118, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Xue Xue
- National Institute on Drug Dependence and Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Dependence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital & Shenzhen Mental Health Center, No. 77 Zhenbi Road, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, 518118, Guangdong, China.
- Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.
- Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Xiao-Jian Jia
- Department of Addiction Medicine, Shenzhen Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital & Shenzhen Mental Health Center, No. 77 Zhenbi Road, Pingshan District, Shenzhen, 518118, Guangdong, China.
- Clinical College of Mental Health, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.
- Affiliated Mental Health Center, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China.
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Májer T, Bódi V, Kelemen V, Szűcs A, Varró P, Világi I. Valproate treatment induces age- and sex-dependent neuronal activity changes according to a patch clamp study. Dev Neurobiol 2024; 84:32-43. [PMID: 38124434 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22933] [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: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interactions, restricted, and stereotyped behaviors. The valproic acid model is one of the most recognized and broadly used models in rats to induce core symptoms of this disorder. Comorbidity of epilepsy and autism occurs frequently, due to similar background mechanisms that include the imbalance of excitation and inhibition. In this series of experiments, treatment was performed on rat dams with a single 500 mg/kg dose i.p. valproate injection on embryonic day 12.5. Intracellular whole-cell patch clamp recordings were performed on brain slices prepared from adolescent and adult offspring of both sexes on pyramidal neurons of the medial prefrontal cortex and entorhinal cortex. Current clamp stimulation utilizing conventional current step protocols and dynamic clamp stimulation were applied to assess neuronal excitability. Membrane properties and spiking characteristics of layer II-III pyramidal cells were analyzed in both cortical regions. Significant sex-dependent and age-dependent differences were found in several parameters in the control groups. Considering membrane resistance, rheobase, voltage sag slope, and afterdepolarization slope, we observed notable changes mainly in the female groups. Valproate treatment seemed to enhance these differences and increase network excitability. However, it is possible that compensatory mechanisms took place during the maturation of the network while reaching the age-group of 3 months. Based on the results, the expression of the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels may be appreciably affected by the valproate treatment, which influences fundamental electrophysiological properties of the neurons such as the voltage sag. Remarkable changes appeared in the prefrontal cortex; however, also the entorhinal cortex shows similar tendencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tímea Májer
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Veronika Bódi
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktor Kelemen
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Attila Szűcs
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Center of Excellence for Molecular Medicine, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Petra Varró
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Világi
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Institute of Biology, Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary
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Quesnel KM, Martin-Kenny N, Bérubé NG. A mouse model of ATRX deficiency with cognitive deficits and autistic traits. J Neurodev Disord 2023; 15:39. [PMID: 37957569 PMCID: PMC10644498 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-023-09508-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND ATRX is an ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling protein with essential roles in safeguarding genome integrity and modulating gene expression. Deficiencies in this protein cause ATR-X syndrome, a condition characterized by intellectual disability and an array of developmental abnormalities, including features of autism. Previous studies demonstrated that deleting ATRX in mouse forebrain excitatory neurons postnatally resulted in male-specific memory deficits, but no apparent autistic-like behaviours. METHODS We generated mice with an earlier embryonic deletion of ATRX in forebrain excitatory neurons and characterized their behaviour using a series of memory and autistic-related paradigms. RESULTS We found that mutant mice displayed a broader spectrum of impairments, including fear memory, decreased anxiety-like behaviour, hyperactivity, as well as self-injurious and repetitive grooming. Sex-specific alterations were also observed, including male-specific aggression, sensory gating impairments, and decreased social memory. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, the findings indicate that early developmental abnormalities arising from ATRX deficiency in forebrain excitatory neurons contribute to the presentation of fear memory deficits as well as autistic-like behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine M Quesnel
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, Canada
- Division of Genetics & Development, Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nicole Martin-Kenny
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, Canada
- Division of Genetics & Development, Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nathalie G Bérubé
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, Western University, London, Canada.
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, Canada.
- Division of Genetics & Development, Children's Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Oncology, Western University, London, Canada.
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Lopes LT, Rodrigues JM, Baccarin C, Oliveira K, Abreu M, Ribeiro V, Anastácio ZC, Machado JP. Autism Spectrum as an Etiologic Systemic Disorder: A Protocol for an Umbrella Review. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10112200. [PMID: 36360541 PMCID: PMC9690003 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder with a huge prevalence increasing every year (1/44 children). Still diagnosed as a mental disorder, the last 10 years of research found possible causes, risks, genetics, environmental triggers, epigenetics, metabolic, immunological, and neurophysiological unbalances as relevant aetiology. Umbrella methodology is the highest level of scientific evidence, designed to support clinical and political decisions. A literature search for autism aetiology, pathophysiology, or causes, conducted in the last 10 years, at PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, Scopus, and the Web of Science, resulted in six umbrella reviews. Nevertheless, only one quantitative analysis reported risk factors and biomarkers but excluded genetics, experiments on animal models, and post-mortem studies. We grouped ASD’s multi-factorial causes and risks into five etiological categories: genetic, epigenetic, organic, psychogenic, and environmental. Findings suggest that autism might be evaluated as a systemic disorder instead of only through the lens of mental and behavioural. The overview implications of included studies will be qualitatively analysed under ROBIS and GRADE tools. This umbrella review can provide a rational basis for a new urgent health policy to develop better and adequate integrated care services for ASD. The methodological protocol has the register CRD42022348586 at PROSPERO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Teixeira Lopes
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
| | | | - Celeste Baccarin
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
| | - Kevin Oliveira
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
| | - Manuela Abreu
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
| | - Victor Ribeiro
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
| | - Zélia Caçador Anastácio
- Research Center on Child Studies, Institute of Education, University of Minho, 4804-533 Braga, Portugal
| | - Jorge Pereira Machado
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, 4099-030 Porto, Portugal
- Center of BioSciences in Integrative Health, 4200-355 Porto, Portugal
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Early Detection of Male-Predominant Phenotypes in the Pattern of Ultrasonic Vocalizations Emitted by Autism Spectrum Disorder Model (Crmp4-Knockout) Mice. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12050666. [PMID: 35625052 PMCID: PMC9139187 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12050666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Male predominance is a known feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Although ASD mouse models can be useful for elucidating mechanisms underlying abnormal behaviors relevant to human ASD, suitable models to analyze sex differences in ASD pathogenesis remain insufficient. Herein, we used collapsin response mediator protein 4 (Crmp4)-knockout (KO) mice exhibiting ASD-like phenotypes in a male-predominant manner and analyzed ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) to detect potential differences between genotypes and sexes during the early postnatal period. We recorded isolation-induced USVs emitted from wild-type (WT) and Crmp4-KO littermates and compared the total number of USVs between genotypes and sexes. We classified USVs into 10 types based on internal pitch changes, lengths, and shapes and compared the number of USVs in each type by genotypes and sex. Male Crmp4-KO mice exhibited a reduction in the total number of USVs. Crmp4-KO decreased the number of USVs in 7 out of 10 USV types, and male KO mice exhibited a greater reduction than females in 3 of the 7 types. This study offers a suitable ASD animal model and tool for assessing sex-based communication deficits during the early postnatal period, both of which would be valuable for elucidating the underlying mechanism.
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