Genetic and neural mechanisms of sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder: a review

The genome of African manatee Trichechus senegalensis reveals secondary adaptation to the aquatic environment

Sirenians exhibit unique aquatic adaptations, showcasing both convergent adaptive features shared with cetaceans and unique characteristics such as cold sensitivity and dense bones. Here, we report a chromosome-level genome of the African manatee (Trichechus senegalensis) with high continuity, completeness, and accuracy. We found that genes associated with osteopetrosis have undergone positive selection (CSF1R and LRRK1) or pseudogenized (FAM111A and IGSF23) in the African manatee, potentially contributing to the dense bone formation. The loss of KCNK18 may have increased their sensitivity to cold water temperatures. Moreover, we identified convergent evolutionary signatures in 392 genes among fully aquatic mammals, primarily enriched in skin or skeletal system development and circadian rhythm, which contributed to the transition from terrestrial to fully aquatic lifestyles. The African manatee currently possesses a small effective population size and low genome-wide heterozygosity. Overall, our study provides genetic resources for understanding the evolutionary characteristics and conservation efforts of this species.

Insomnia in children affected by autism spectrum disorder: The role of melatonin in treatment

The present article explores the connection between insomnia and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on the efficacy and safety of melatonin treatments as supported by existing research and current guidelines. In this narrative review a group of Italian experts provide an analysis of the various aspects of managing insomnia in children with ASD, highlighting key points that could enhance the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. This includes the significance of comprehensively understanding the root causes of a child's sleep difficulties for more effective, long-term management. Insomnia, a condition frequently documented in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD, greatly affects the lives of patients and caregivers. Recent data show that melatonin-based formulations are effective and safe for treating ASD-related insomnia both short and long term. In particular, prolonged-release melatonin is poised to be the optimal choice for this patient population. This formulation is approved for the treatment of insomnia in children and adolescents aged 2-18 years suffering from ASD and/or Smith-Magenis syndrome, where sleep hygiene measures and behavioral treatments have not been sufficient. In support, emerging research in pediatric settings indicates long-term efficacy and safety, although further research efforts are still needed. Current guidelines recommend managing insomnia and sleep disturbances in ASD using a combination of behavioral and pharmacological methods, primarily melatonin. Recent concerns about accidental melatonin ingestion highlight the need for high purity standards, such as pharmaceutical-grade prolonged-release formulations. The article also summarizes emerging molecular mechanisms from preclinical research, suggesting future therapeutic approaches.

Exploring the mechanism of agarwood moxa smoke in treating sleep disorders based on GC-MS and network pharmacology

Background

Agarwood moxibustion is a folk therapy developed by individuals of the Li nationality in China. There is evidence that agarwood moxa smoke (AMS) generated during agarwood moxibustion therapy can treat sleep disorders via traditional Chinese medicines' multiple target and pathway characteristics. However, the specific components and mechanisms involved have yet to be explored.

Objective

GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry) and network pharmacology were used to investigate AMS's molecular basis and mechanism in treating sleep deprivation.

Method

GC-MS was used to determine the chemical composition of AMS; component target information was collected from TCMSP (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology), PubChem (Public Chemical Database), GeneCards (Human Gene Database), and DisGeNet (Database of Genes and Diseases) were used to identify disease targets, and JVenn (Joint Venn) was used to identify the common targets of AMS and sleep disorders. STRING was used to construct a protein interaction network, Cytoscape 3.9.1 was used to build a multilevel network diagram of the "core components-efficacy targets-action pathways," the targets were imported into Metascape and DAVID for GO (Gene Ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analyses and Autodock was used for molecular docking. This research used a network pharmacology methodology to investigate the therapeutic potential of Agarwood Moxa Smoke (AMS) in treating sleep problems. Examining the target genes and chemical constituents of AMS offers insights into the molecular processes and targets of the disease.

Result

Nine active ingredients comprising anti-inflammatory substances and antioxidants, such as caryophyllene and p-cymene, found seven sleep-regulating signaling pathways and eight targets linked to sleep disorders. GC-MS was used to identify the 94 active ingredients in AMS, and the active ingredients had strong binding with the key targets. Key findings included active components with known medicinal properties, such as p-cymene, eucalyptol, and caryophyllene. An investigation of network pharmacology revealed seven signaling pathways for sleep regulation and eight targets linked to sleep disorders, shedding light on AMS's effectiveness in enhancing sleep quality.

Conclusion

AMS may alleviate sleep disorders by modulating cellular and synaptic signaling, controlling hormone and neurotransmitter pathways, etc. Understanding AMS's material basis and mechanism of action provides a foundation for future research on treating sleep disorders with AMS. According to the study, Agarwood Moxa Smoke (AMS) may improve sleep quality by modifying cellular and synaptic signaling pathways for those who suffer from sleep problems. This might lead to the development of innovative therapies with fewer side effects.

PTCHD1 gene mutation/deletion: the cognitive-behavioral phenotyping of four case reports

Introduction

X-linked PTCHD1 gene has recently been pointed as one of the most interesting candidates for involvement in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDs), such as intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). PTCHD1 encodes the patched domain-containing protein 1 (PTCHD1), which is mainly expressed in the developing brain and adult brain tissues. To date, major studies have focused on the biological function of the PTCHD1 gene, while the mechanisms underlying neuronal alterations and the cognitive-behavioral phenotype associated with mutations still remain unclear.

Methods

With the aim of incorporating information on the clinical profile of affected individuals and enhancing the characterization of the genotype-phenotype correlation, in this study, we analyze the clinical features of four individuals (two children and two adults) in which array-CGH detected a PTCHD1 deletion or in which panel for screening non-syndromal XLID (X-linked ID) detected a PTCHD1 gene variant. We define the neuropsychological and psychopathological profiles, providing quantitative data from standardized evaluations. The assessment consisted of clinical observations, structured interviews, and parent/self-reported questionnaires.

Results

Our descriptive analysis align with previous findings on the involvement of the PTCHD1 gene in NDs. Specifically, our patients exhibited a clinical phenotype characterized by psychomotor developmental delay- ID of varying severity. Interestingly, while ID during early childhood was associated with autistic-like symptomatology, this interrelation was no longer observed in the adult subjects. Furthermore, our cohort did not display peculiar dysmorphic features, congenital abnormalities or comorbidity with epilepsy.

Discussion

Our analysis shows that the psychopathological and behavioral comorbidities along with cognitive impairment interfere with development, therefore contributing to the severity of disability associated with PTCHD1 gene mutation. Awareness of this profile by professionals and caregivers can promote prompt diagnosis as well as early cognitive and occupational enhancement interventions.