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Minhas A, Whitlock K, Rosenfelt C, Shatto J, Finlay B, Zwicker J, Lippe S, Jacquemont S, Hagerman R, Murias K, Bolduc FV. Analyzing the Quality of Life in Individuals with Fragile X Syndrome in Relation to Sleep and Mental Health. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06317-2. [PMID: 38653851 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06317-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this paper was to examine the physical, emotional, social and school functioning domains of quality of life of individuals with Fragile X Syndrome, in relation to mental health and sleep patterns to gain a better understanding of how these aspects are affected by the disorder. This study included 119 individuals with Fragile X Syndrome who were given different cognitive examinations by a neuropsychologist or by parent-proxy questionnaires. This study focused on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQoL), the Anxiety, Depression and Mood Scale (ADAMS), the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), but did include other cognitive tests (Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales, Nonverbal IQ, Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule). We identified significant associations between decreases in emotional, social and school domains of PedsQoL and the ADAMS subtests of Generalized Anxiety, Manic/Hyperactivity and Obsessive/Compulsivity, with the subtest of Depressed Mood having associations with lower physical and emotional domains. We also identified a significant impact between CSHQ subtests of Sleep Anxiety, Night Wakings, Daytime Sleepiness, and Parasomnia with the emotional and school domains of PedsQoL. There were associations connecting school functioning with Bedtime Resistance, and additional associations connecting emotional functioning with Sleep Duration and Sleep Onset Delay. Physical functioning was also associated with Sleep Anxiety. Our study shows how mental health and sleep defects impact improper sleep patterns and mental health which leads to decreases in the quality of life for individuals with FXS, and how it is important to screen for these symptoms in order to alleviate issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrita Minhas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kerri Whitlock
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cory Rosenfelt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Julie Shatto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Brittany Finlay
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jennifer Zwicker
- School of Public Policy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Sarah Lippe
- Hopital Sainte-Justine, Universite de Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Randi Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kara Murias
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Women and Children Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
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Küry S, Stanton JE, van Woerden G, Hsieh TC, Rosenfelt C, Scott-Boyer MP, Most V, Wang T, Papendorf JJ, de Konink C, Deb W, Vignard V, Studencka-Turski M, Besnard T, Hajdukowicz AM, Thiel F, Möller S, Florenceau L, Cuinat S, Marsac S, Wentzensen I, Tuttle A, Forster C, Striesow J, Golnik R, Ortiz D, Jenkins L, Rosenfeld JA, Ziegler A, Houdayer C, Bonneau D, Torti E, Begtrup A, Monaghan KG, Mullegama SV, Volker-Touw CMLN, van Gassen KLI, Oegema R, de Pagter M, Steindl K, Rauch A, Ivanovski I, McDonald K, Boothe E, Dauber A, Baker J, Fabie NAV, Bernier RA, Turner TN, Srivastava S, Dies KA, Swanson L, Costin C, Jobling RK, Pappas J, Rabin R, Niyazov D, Tsai ACH, Kovak K, Beck DB, Malicdan M, Adams DR, Wolfe L, Ganetzky RD, Muraresku C, Babikyan D, Sedláček Z, Hančárová M, Timberlake AT, Al Saif H, Nestler B, King K, Hajianpour MJ, Costain G, Prendergast D, Li C, Geneviève D, Vitobello A, Sorlin A, Philippe C, Harel T, Toker O, Sabir A, Lim D, Hamilton M, Bryson L, Cleary E, Weber S, Hoffman TL, Cueto-González AM, Tizzano EF, Gómez-Andrés D, Codina-Solà M, Ververi A, Pavlidou E, Lambropoulos A, Garganis K, Rio M, Levy J, Jurgensmeyer S, McRae AM, Lessard MK, D'Agostino MD, De Bie I, Wegler M, Jamra RA, Kamphausen SB, Bothe V, Busch LM, Völker U, Hammer E, Wende K, Cogné B, Isidor B, Meiler J, Bosc-Rosati A, Marcoux J, Bousquet MP, Poschmann J, Laumonnier F, Hildebrand PW, Eichler EE, McWalter K, Krawitz PM, Droit A, Elgersma Y, Grabrucker AM, Bolduc FV, Bézieau S, Ebstein F, Krüger E. Unveiling the crucial neuronal role of the proteasomal ATPase subunit gene PSMC5 in neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies. medRxiv 2024:2024.01.13.24301174. [PMID: 38293138 PMCID: PMC10827246 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.13.24301174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies represent a distinctive category of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) characterized by genetic variations within the 26S proteasome, a protein complex governing eukaryotic cellular protein homeostasis. In our comprehensive study, we identified 23 unique variants in PSMC5 , which encodes the AAA-ATPase proteasome subunit PSMC5/Rpt6, causing syndromic NDD in 38 unrelated individuals. Overexpression of PSMC5 variants altered human hippocampal neuron morphology, while PSMC5 knockdown led to impaired reversal learning in flies and loss of excitatory synapses in rat hippocampal neurons. PSMC5 loss-of-function resulted in abnormal protein aggregation, profoundly impacting innate immune signaling, mitophagy rates, and lipid metabolism in affected individuals. Importantly, targeting key components of the integrated stress response, such as PKR and GCN2 kinases, ameliorated immune dysregulations in cells from affected individuals. These findings significantly advance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental proteasomopathies, provide links to research in neurodegenerative diseases, and open up potential therapeutic avenues.
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Aishworiya R, Tak Y, Ponzini MD, Biag HMB, Salcedo-Arellano MJ, Kim K, Tassone F, Schneider A, Thurman AJ, Abbeduto L, Hessl D, Randol JL, Bolduc FV, Lippe S, Hagerman P, Hagerman R. Adaptive, behavioral, and cognitive outcomes in individuals with fragile X syndrome with varying autism severity. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:715-727. [PMID: 37724826 PMCID: PMC10868665 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the association between severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cognitive, behavioral, and molecular measures in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS). Study inclusion criteria included individuals with FXS and (1) age 6-40 years, (2) full-scale IQ < 84, and (3) language ≥3-word phrases. ASD symptom severity was determined by Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). Other measures identified non-verbal IQ, adaptive skills, and aberrant behaviors. Molecular measures included blood FMR1 and CYFIP1 mRNA levels, FMRP and MMP9 levels. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Spearman's correlations were used to compare ASD severity groups. Data from 54 individuals was included with no/mild (N = 7), moderate (N = 18), and severe (N = 29) ASD. Individuals with high ASD severity had lower adaptive behavior scores (47.48 ± 17.49) than the no/mild group (69.00 ± 20.45, p = 0.0366); they also had more challenging behaviors, lethargy, and stereotypic behaviors. CYFIP1 mRNA expression levels positively correlated with the ADOS-2 comparison score(r2 = 0.33, p = 0.0349), with no significant correlations with other molecular markers. In conclusion, autism symptom severity is associated with more adverse cognitive and adaptive skills and specific behaviors in FXS, whereas CYFIP1 mRNA expression levels may be a potential biomarker for severity of ASD in FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Aishworiya
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - YeEun Tak
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Matthew Dominic Ponzini
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Hazel Maridith Barlahan Biag
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Maria Jimena Salcedo-Arellano
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Flora Tassone
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Andrea Schneider
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Angela John Thurman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - David Hessl
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Jamie Leah Randol
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California, United States of America
- UC Davis Biotechnology Program, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
- Division of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah Lippe
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Paul Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
| | - Randi Hagerman
- Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (MIND) Institute, University of California Davis, California, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, United States of America
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Cuppens T, Shatto J, Mangnier L, Kumar AA, Ng ACH, Kaur M, Bui TA, Leclercq M, Droit A, Dunham I, Bolduc FV. Sex difference contributes to phenotypic diversity in individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1172154. [PMID: 37609366 PMCID: PMC10441218 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1172154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Gain a better understanding of sex-specific differences in individuals with global developmental delay (GDD), with a focus on phenotypes and genotypes. Methods Using the Deciphering Developmental Disorders (DDD) dataset, we extracted phenotypic information from 6,588 individuals with GDD and then identified statistically significant variations in phenotypes and genotypes based on sex. We compared genes with pathogenic variants between sex and then performed gene network and molecular function enrichment analysis and gene expression profiling between sex. Finally, we contrasted individuals with autism as an associated condition. Results We identified significantly differentially expressed phenotypes in males vs. females individuals with GDD. Autism and macrocephaly were significantly more common in males whereas microcephaly and stereotypies were more common in females. Importantly, 66% of GDD genes with pathogenic variants overlapped between both sexes. In the cohort, males presented with only slightly increased X-linked genes (9% vs. 8%, respectively). Individuals from both sexes harbored a similar number of pathogenic variants overall (3) but females presented with a significantly higher load for GDD genes with high intolerance to loss of function. Sex difference in gene expression correlated with genes identified in a sex specific manner. While we identified sex-specific GDD gene mutations, their pathways overlapped. Interestingly, individuals with GDD but also co-morbid autism phenotypes, we observed distinct mutation load, pathways and phenotypic presentation. Conclusion Our study shows for the first time that males and females with GDD present with significantly different phenotypes. Moreover, while most GDD genes overlapped, some genes were found uniquely in each sex. Surprisingly they shared similar molecular functions. Sorting genes by predicted tolerance to loss of function (pLI) led to identifying an increased mutation load in females with GDD, suggesting potentially a tolerance to GDD genes of higher pLI compared to overall GDD genes. Finally, we show that considering associated conditions (for instance autism) may influence the genomic underpinning found in individuals with GDD and highlight the importance of comprehensive phenotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Cuppens
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Département de Médecine Moléculaire de L'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Julie Shatto
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Loïc Mangnier
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Département de Médecine Moléculaire de L'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ajay A. Kumar
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI); Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Andy Cheuk-Him Ng
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Truong An Bui
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mickael Leclercq
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Département de Médecine Moléculaire de L'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Département de Médecine Moléculaire de L'Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Ian Dunham
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI); Wellcome Genome Campus, Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
| | - Francois V. Bolduc
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Aishworiya R, Chi MH, Zafarullah M, Mendoza G, Ponzini MD, Kim K, Biag HMB, Thurman AJ, Abbeduto L, Hessl D, Randol JL, Bolduc FV, Jacquemont S, Lippé S, Hagerman P, Hagerman R, Schneider A, Tassone F. Intercorrelation of Molecular Biomarkers and Clinical Phenotype Measures in Fragile X Syndrome. Cells 2023; 12:1920. [PMID: 37508583 PMCID: PMC10377864 DOI: 10.3390/cells12141920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This study contributes to a greater understanding of the utility of molecular biomarkers to identify clinical phenotypes of fragile X syndrome (FXS). Correlations of baseline clinical trial data (molecular measures-FMR1 mRNA, CYFIP1 mRNA, MMP9 and FMRP protein expression levels, nonverbal IQ, body mass index and weight, language level, NIH Toolbox, adaptive behavior rating, autism, and other mental health correlates) of 59 participants with FXS ages of 6-32 years are reported. FMR1 mRNA expression levels correlated positively with adaptive functioning levels, expressive language, and specific NIH Toolbox measures. The findings of a positive correlation of MMP-9 levels with obesity, CYFIP1 mRNA with mood and autistic symptoms, and FMR1 mRNA expression level with better cognitive, language, and adaptive functions indicate potential biomarkers for specific FXS phenotypes. These may be potential markers for future clinical trials for targeted treatments of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Aishworiya
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore 119074, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore
| | - Mei-Hung Chi
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Marwa Zafarullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
| | - Guadalupe Mendoza
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
| | - Matthew Dominic Ponzini
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Kyoungmi Kim
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Hazel Maridith Barlahan Biag
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Angela John Thurman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Leonard Abbeduto
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - David Hessl
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Jamie Leah Randol
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
- Integrative Genetics and Genomics Graduate Group, University of California Davis, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616, USA
- UC Davis Biotechnology Program, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Francois V. Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Medical Genetics, Women and Children Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Sebastien Jacquemont
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Sarah Lippé
- CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Paul Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
| | - Randi Hagerman
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Andrea Schneider
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Flora Tassone
- MIND Institute, University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA; (R.A.); (M.D.P.); (H.M.B.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA (G.M.)
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Costello J, Kaur M, Reformat MZ, Bolduc FV. Leveraging Knowledge Graphs and Natural Language Processing for Automated Web Resource Labeling: Knowledge Mobilization in Neurodevelopmental Disorders. (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 25:e45268. [PMID: 37067865 PMCID: PMC10152329 DOI: 10.2196/45268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients and families need to be provided with trusted information more than ever with the abundance of online information. Several organizations aim to build databases that can be searched based on the needs of target groups. One such group is individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and their families. NDDs affect up to 18% of the population and have major social and economic impacts. The current limitations in communicating information for individuals with NDDs include the absence of shared terminology and the lack of efficient labeling processes for web resources. Because of these limitations, health professionals, support groups, and families are unable to share, combine, and access resources. OBJECTIVE We aimed to develop a natural language-based pipeline to label resources by leveraging standard and free-text vocabularies obtained through text analysis, and then represent those resources as a weighted knowledge graph. METHODS Using a combination of experts and service/organization databases, we created a data set of web resources for NDDs. Text from these websites was scraped and collected into a corpus of textual data on NDDs. This corpus was used to construct a knowledge graph suitable for use by both experts and nonexperts. Named entity recognition, topic modeling, document classification, and location detection were used to extract knowledge from the corpus. RESULTS We developed a resource annotation pipeline using diverse natural language processing algorithms to annotate web resources and stored them in a structured knowledge graph. The graph contained 78,181 annotations obtained from the combination of standard terminologies and a free-text vocabulary obtained using topic modeling. An application of the constructed knowledge graph is a resource search interface using the ordered weighted averaging operator to rank resources based on a user query. CONCLUSIONS We developed an automated labeling pipeline for web resources on NDDs. This work showcases how artificial intelligence-based methods, such as natural language processing and knowledge graphs for information representation, can enhance knowledge extraction and mobilization, and could be used in other fields of medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Costello
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marek Z Reformat
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Information Technology Institute, University of Social Sciences, Łódź, Poland
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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7
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Kaur M, Costello J, Willis E, Kelm K, Reformat MZ, Bolduc FV. Deciphering Diversity of Mental Models in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Knowledge Graph Representation of Public Data Using Natural Language Processing (Preprint). J Med Internet Res 2022; 24:e39888. [PMID: 35930346 PMCID: PMC9391978 DOI: 10.2196/39888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Understanding how individuals think about a topic, known as the mental model, can significantly improve communication, especially in the medical domain where emotions and implications are high. Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) represent a group of diagnoses, affecting up to 18% of the global population, involving differences in the development of cognitive or social functions. In this study, we focus on 2 NDDs, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), which involve multiple symptoms and interventions requiring interactions between 2 important stakeholders: parents and health professionals. There is a gap in our understanding of differences between mental models for each stakeholder, making communication between stakeholders more difficult than it could be. Objective We aim to build knowledge graphs (KGs) from web-based information relevant to each stakeholder as proxies of mental models. These KGs will accelerate the identification of shared and divergent concerns between stakeholders. The developed KGs can help improve knowledge mobilization, communication, and care for individuals with ADHD and ASD. Methods We created 2 data sets by collecting the posts from web-based forums and PubMed abstracts related to ADHD and ASD. We utilized the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) to detect biomedical concepts and applied Positive Pointwise Mutual Information followed by truncated Singular Value Decomposition to obtain corpus-based concept embeddings for each data set. Each data set is represented as a KG using a property graph model. Semantic relatedness between concepts is calculated to rank the relation strength of concepts and stored in the KG as relation weights. UMLS disorder-relevant semantic types are used to provide additional categorical information about each concept’s domain. Results The developed KGs contain concepts from both data sets, with node sizes representing the co-occurrence frequency of concepts and edge sizes representing relevance between concepts. ADHD- and ASD-related concepts from different semantic types shows diverse areas of concerns and complex needs of the conditions. KG identifies converging and diverging concepts between health professionals literature (PubMed) and parental concerns (web-based forums), which may correspond to the differences between mental models for each stakeholder. Conclusions We show for the first time that generating KGs from web-based data can capture the complex needs of families dealing with ADHD or ASD. Moreover, we showed points of convergence between families and health professionals’ KGs. Natural language processing–based KG provides access to a large sample size, which is often a limiting factor for traditional in-person mental model mapping. Our work offers a high throughput access to mental model maps, which could be used for further in-person validation, knowledge mobilization projects, and basis for communication about potential blind spots from stakeholders in interactions about NDDs. Future research will be needed to identify how concepts could interact together differently for each stakeholder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manpreet Kaur
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jeremy Costello
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Elyse Willis
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Karen Kelm
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marek Z Reformat
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Information Technology Institute, University of Social Sciences, Łódź, Poland
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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8
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Bui TA, Rosenfelt CS, Whitlock KH, Leclercq M, Weber S, Droit A, Wiebe SA, Pei J, Bolduc FV. Remote online long-term memory testing in children with typical development and neurodevelopmental disorders: feasibility study (Preprint). JMIR Pediatr Parent 2022; 6:e39720. [PMID: 37155237 DOI: 10.2196/39720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD) cause individuals to have difficulty in learning facts, procedures, or social skills. NDD has been linked to several genes, and several animal models have been used to identify potential therapeutic candidates based on specific learning paradigms for long-term and associative memory. In individuals with NDD, however, such testing has not been used so far, resulting in a gap in translating preclinical results to clinical practice. OBJECTIVE We aim to assess if individuals with NDD could be tested for paired association learning and long-term memory deficit, as shown in previous animal models. METHODS We developed an image-based paired association task, which can be performed at different time points using remote web-based testing, and evaluated its feasibility in children with typical development (TD), as well as NDD. We included 2 tasks: object recognition as a simpler task and paired association. Learning was tested immediately after training and also the next day for long-term memory. RESULTS We found that children aged 5-14 years with TD (n=128) and with NDD of different types (n=57) could complete testing using the Memory Game. Children with NDD showed deficits in both recognition and paired association tasks on the first day of learning, in both 5-9-year old (P<.001 and P=.01, respectively) and 10-14-year old groups (P=.001 and P<.001, respectively). The reaction times to stimuli showed no significant difference between individuals with TD or NDD. Children with NDD exhibited a faster 24-hour memory decay for the recognition task than those with TD in the 5-9-year old group. This trend is reversed for the paired association task. Interestingly, we found that children with NDD had their retention for recognition improved and matched with typically developing individuals by 10-14 years of age. The NDD group also showed improved retention deficits in the paired association task at 10-14 years of age compared to the TD group. CONCLUSIONS We showed that web-based learning testing using simple picture association is feasible for children with TD, as well as with NDD. We showed how web-based testing allows us to train children to learn the association between pictures, as shown in immediate test results and those completed 1 day after. This is important as many models for learning deficits in NDD target both short- and long-term memory for therapeutic intervention. We also demonstrated that despite potential confounding factors, such as self-reported diagnosis bias, technical issues, and varied participation, the Memory Game shows significant differences between typically developing children and those with NDD. Future experiments will leverage this potential of web-based testing for larger cohorts and cross-validation with other clinical or preclinical cognitive tasks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Truong An Bui
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | | | - Mickael Leclercq
- Computational Biology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval Research Centre, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Savannah Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Arnaud Droit
- Computational Biology Laboratory, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval Research Centre, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Sandra A Wiebe
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jacqueline Pei
- Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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9
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Kelm K, Bolduc FV. How Knowledge Mapping Can Bridge the Communication Gap Between Caregivers and Health Professionals Supporting Individuals With Complex Medical Needs: A Study in Fragile X Syndrome. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:731011. [PMID: 34899415 PMCID: PMC8651701 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.731011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The challenges of caring for children with complex health needs, such as intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), are multiple and experienced by both caregivers and health professionals. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common single gene cause of ID and ASD, and provides a pertinent model to understand these complexities of care, as well as the communication challenges experienced between caregivers and healthcare professionals. In recent years both caregivers and healthcare professionals have recognized the need for enhancing communication both in clinical and research settings. Knowledge mapping has emerged as a tool to support quality communication between team participants. Here we review how differences in mental models, as well as challenges related to health literacy and knowledge transfer can have an impact on communication. Next, we present different knowledge mapping approaches used in complex situations, with a focus on concept maps and care maps. Finally, we highlight the potential benefits and limitations of mapping to improve communication issues related to caring for individuals with FXS and potentially other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Kelm
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Francois V. Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Women and Children Health Research Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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10
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Ward-Flanagan R, Scavuzzo C, Mandhane PJ, Bolduc FV, Dickson CT. Prenatal fruit juice exposure enhances memory consolidation in male post-weanling Sprague-Dawley rats. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0227938. [PMID: 31990931 PMCID: PMC6986755 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0227938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Nutritional intake during gestation is known to impact health outcomes for progeny. Correlational evidence in humans suggests that increased fruit consumption of pregnant mothers enhances infant cognitive development. Moreover, wild-type Drosophila supplemented with a combination of orange and tomato juice showed robust enhancements in performance on an associative olfactory memory task. The current study aimed to experimentally test the effects of prenatal fruit juice exposure in a non-human, mammalian model of learning and memory. Methods Across three separate birth cohorts, pregnant rats were given access to diluted tomato and orange juice (N = 2 per cohort), with control rats (N = 2 per cohort) receiving only water, in addition to standard rodent chow, throughout the duration of gestation, ending at parturition. Following weaning, male offspring were tested for learning and memory in a spatial version of the circular water maze and an auditory-cued fear-conditioning task. Results All pregnant rats increased fluid and food intake over the gestational period. Fruit juice-fed pregnant rats had increased fluid intake compared to control pregnant rats. When testing progeny, there were no effects of prenatal fruit juice on spatial learning, while it appeared to impair learning in fear conditioning relative to controls. However, we measured significant enhancements in both spatial memory and conditioned fear memory in the prenatal fruit-juice group compared to controls. Measures of vigilance, in response to the conditioned cue, were increased in prenatal fruit rats compared to controls, suggesting less generalized, and more adaptive, anxiety behaviours. Discussion Our results corroborate the human and Drosophila findings of prenatal fruit effects on behaviour, specifically that prenatal fruit juice exposure may be beneficial for early-life memory consolidation in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Ward-Flanagan
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Claire Scavuzzo
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Piush J. Mandhane
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Francois V. Bolduc
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Clayton T. Dickson
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- * E-mail:
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11
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Androschuk A, He RX, Weber S, Rosenfelt C, Bolduc FV. Stress Odorant Sensory Response Dysfunction in Drosophila Fragile X Syndrome Mutants. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:242. [PMID: 30135642 PMCID: PMC6092503 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensory processing dysfunction (SPD) is present in most patients with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Silencing expression of the Fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) gene leads to Fragile X syndrome (FXS), the most common single gene cause of ID and ASD. Drosophila have a highly conserved FMR1 ortholog, dfmr1. dfmr1 mutants display cognitive and social defects reminiscent of symptoms seen in individuals with FXS. We utilized a robust behavioral assay for sensory processing of the Drosophila stress odorant (dSO) to gain a better understanding of the molecular basis of SPD in FXS. Here, we show that dfmr1 mutant flies present significant defects in dSO response. We found that dfmr1 expression in mushroom bodies is required for dSO processing. We also show that cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling via PKA is activated after exposure to dSO and that several drugs regulating both cAMP and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) levels significantly improved defects in dSO processing in dfmr1 mutant flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaura Androschuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Richard X He
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Savannah Weber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cory Rosenfelt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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12
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Raun N, Mailo J, Spinelli E, He X, McAvena S, Brand L, O'Sullivan J, Andersen J, Richer L, Tang-Wai R, Bolduc FV. Quantitative phenotypic and network analysis of 1q44 microdeletion for microcephaly. Am J Med Genet A 2017; 173:972-977. [PMID: 28328126 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.38139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2016] [Revised: 11/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
As genome wide techniques become more common, an increasing proportion of patients with intellectual disability (ID) are found to have genetic defects allowing genotype-phenotype correlations. Previously, AKT3 deletion was suggested to be responsible for microcephaly in patients with 1q43-q44 deletion syndrome, but this does not correspond to all cases. We report a case of a de novo 1q44 deletion in an 8-year-old boy with microcephaly in whom AKT3 is not deleted. We used a systematic review of the literature, our patient, and network analysis to gain a better understanding of the genetic basis of microcephaly in 1q deletion patients. Our analysis showed that while AKT3 deletion is associated with more severe (≤3 SD) microcephaly in 1q43-q44 deletion patients, other genes may contribute to microcephaly in AKT3 intact patients with microcephaly and 1q43-44 deletion syndrome. We identified a potential role for HNRNPU, SMYD3, NLRP3, and KIF26B in microcephaly. Overall, our study highlights the need for network analysis and quantitative measures reporting in the phenotypic analysis of a complex genetic syndrome related to copy number variation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Raun
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Janette Mailo
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Egidio Spinelli
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Xu He
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Sarah McAvena
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Logan Brand
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia O'Sullivan
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - John Andersen
- Division of Neurodevelopmental and Neuromotor Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lawrence Richer
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richard Tang-Wai
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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13
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Monyak RE, Emerson D, Schoenfeld BP, Zheng X, Chambers DB, Rosenfelt C, Langer S, Hinchey P, Choi CH, McDonald TV, Bolduc FV, Sehgal A, McBride SM, Jongens TA. Insulin signaling misregulation underlies circadian and cognitive deficits in a Drosophila fragile X model. Mol Psychiatry 2017; 22:1140-1148. [PMID: 27090306 PMCID: PMC5071102 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2016.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is an undertreated neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by low intelligence quotent and a wide range of other symptoms including disordered sleep and autism. Although FXS is the most prevalent inherited cause of intellectual disability, its mechanistic underpinnings are not well understood. Using Drosophila as a model of FXS, we showed that select expression of dfmr1 in the insulin-producing cells (IPCs) of the brain was sufficient to restore normal circadian behavior and to rescue the memory deficits in the fragile X mutant fly. Examination of the insulin signaling (IS) pathway revealed elevated levels of Drosophila insulin-like peptide 2 (Dilp2) in the IPCs and elevated IS in the dfmr1 mutant brain. Consistent with a causal role for elevated IS in dfmr1 mutant phenotypes, the expression of dfmr1 specifically in the IPCs reduced IS, and genetic reduction of the insulin pathway also led to amelioration of circadian and memory defects. Furthermore, we showed that treatment with the FDA-approved drug metformin also rescued memory. Finally, we showed that reduction of IS is required at different time points to rescue circadian behavior and memory. Our results indicate that insulin misregulation underlies the circadian and cognitive phenotypes displayed by the Drosophila fragile X model, and thus reveal a metabolic pathway that can be targeted by new and already approved drugs to treat fragile X patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel E. Monyak
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158
| | - Danielle Emerson
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158
| | - Brian P. Schoenfeld
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158,Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Xiangzhong Zheng
- Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158
| | - Daniel B. Chambers
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2H7
| | - Cory Rosenfelt
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2H7
| | - Steven Langer
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2H7
| | - Paul Hinchey
- Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Catherine H. Choi
- Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461,Department of Dermatology, Drexel University College of Medicine, 219 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19107
| | - Thomas V. McDonald
- Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461
| | - Francois V. Bolduc
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada AB T6G 2H7
| | - Amita Sehgal
- Department of Neuroscience and Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158
| | - Sean M.J. McBride
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158,To whom correspondence should be addressed: and , phone: 215-573-9332, fax: 215-573-9411
| | - Thomas A. Jongens
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5158,To whom correspondence should be addressed: and , phone: 215-573-9332, fax: 215-573-9411
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14
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Bramswig NC, Caluseriu O, Lüdecke HJ, Bolduc FV, Noel NCL, Wieland T, Surowy HM, Christen HJ, Engels H, Strom TM, Wieczorek D. Heterozygosity for ARID2 loss-of-function mutations in individuals with a Coffin-Siris syndrome-like phenotype. Hum Genet 2017; 136:297-305. [PMID: 28124119 DOI: 10.1007/s00439-017-1757-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Chromatin remodeling is a complex process shaping the nucleosome landscape, thereby regulating the accessibility of transcription factors to regulatory regions of target genes and ultimately managing gene expression. The SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose nonfermentable) complex remodels the nucleosome landscape in an ATP-dependent manner and is divided into the two major subclasses Brahma-associated factor (BAF) and Polybromo Brahma-associated factor (PBAF) complex. Somatic mutations in subunits of the SWI/SNF complex have been associated with different cancers, while germline mutations have been associated with autism spectrum disorder and the neurodevelopmental disorders Coffin-Siris (CSS) and Nicolaides-Baraitser syndromes (NCBRS). CSS is characterized by intellectual disability (ID), coarsening of the face and hypoplasia or absence of the fifth finger- and/or toenails. So far, variants in five of the SWI/SNF subunit-encoding genes ARID1B, SMARCA4, SMARCB1, ARID1A, and SMARCE1 as well as variants in the transcription factor-encoding gene SOX11 have been identified in CSS-affected individuals. ARID2 is a member of the PBAF subcomplex, which until recently had not been linked to any neurodevelopmental phenotypes. In 2015, mutations in the ARID2 gene were associated with intellectual disability. In this study, we report on two individuals with private de novo ARID2 frameshift mutations. Both individuals present with a CSS-like phenotype including ID, coarsening of facial features, other recognizable facial dysmorphisms and hypoplasia of the fifth toenails. Hence, this study identifies mutations in the ARID2 gene as a novel and rare cause for a CSS-like phenotype and enlarges the list of CSS-like genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria C Bramswig
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.
| | - O Caluseriu
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada. .,Medical Genetics Clinic, 8-42B, Medical Sciences Building, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - H-J Lüdecke
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.,Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - F V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - N C L Noel
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - T Wieland
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - H M Surowy
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - H-J Christen
- Children's Hospital AUF DER BULT, Hannover, Germany
| | - H Engels
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - T M Strom
- Institute of Human Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Institute of Human Genetics, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - D Wieczorek
- Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Universität Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr. 55, 45122, Essen, Germany.,Institut für Humangenetik, Universitätsklinikum Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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15
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Choi CH, Schoenfeld BP, Bell AJ, Hinchey J, Rosenfelt C, Gertner MJ, Campbell SR, Emerson D, Hinchey P, Kollaros M, Ferrick NJ, Chambers DB, Langer S, Sust S, Malik A, Terlizzi AM, Liebelt DA, Ferreiro D, Sharma A, Koenigsberg E, Choi RJ, Louneva N, Arnold SE, Featherstone RE, Siegel SJ, Zukin RS, McDonald TV, Bolduc FV, Jongens TA, McBride SMJ. Multiple Drug Treatments That Increase cAMP Signaling Restore Long-Term Memory and Aberrant Signaling in Fragile X Syndrome Models. Front Behav Neurosci 2016; 10:136. [PMID: 27445731 PMCID: PMC4928101 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2016.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fragile X is the most common monogenic disorder associated with intellectual disability (ID) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Additionally, many patients are afflicted with executive dysfunction, ADHD, seizure disorder and sleep disturbances. Fragile X is caused by loss of FMRP expression, which is encoded by the FMR1 gene. Both the fly and mouse models of fragile X are also based on having no functional protein expression of their respective FMR1 homologs. The fly model displays well defined cognitive impairments and structural brain defects and the mouse model, although having subtle behavioral defects, has robust electrophysiological phenotypes and provides a tool to do extensive biochemical analysis of select brain regions. Decreased cAMP signaling has been observed in samples from the fly and mouse models of fragile X as well as in samples derived from human patients. Indeed, we have previously demonstrated that strategies that increase cAMP signaling can rescue short term memory in the fly model and restore DHPG induced mGluR mediated long term depression (LTD) in the hippocampus to proper levels in the mouse model (McBride et al., 2005; Choi et al., 2011, 2015). Here, we demonstrate that the same three strategies used previously with the potential to be used clinically, lithium treatment, PDE-4 inhibitor treatment or mGluR antagonist treatment can rescue long term memory in the fly model and alter the cAMP signaling pathway in the hippocampus of the mouse model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine H Choi
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva UniversityBronx, NY, USA; Department of Dermatology, Dermatology Clinic, Drexel University College of MedicinePhiladelphia, PA, USA; Jongens Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania School of MedicinePhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Brian P Schoenfeld
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva UniversityBronx, NY, USA; Jongens Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania School of MedicinePhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aaron J Bell
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva UniversityBronx, NY, USA; Jongens Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania School of MedicinePhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Joseph Hinchey
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Cory Rosenfelt
- Bolduc Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Michael J Gertner
- Zukin Laboratory, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Sean R Campbell
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Danielle Emerson
- Jongens Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Paul Hinchey
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Maria Kollaros
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Neal J Ferrick
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva UniversityBronx, NY, USA; Jongens Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania School of MedicinePhiladelphia, PA, USA
| | - Daniel B Chambers
- Bolduc Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Steven Langer
- Bolduc Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Steven Sust
- Siegel Laboratory, Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Aatika Malik
- Jongens Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allison M Terlizzi
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - David A Liebelt
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - David Ferreiro
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Ali Sharma
- Zukin Laboratory, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Eric Koenigsberg
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Richard J Choi
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Natalia Louneva
- Arnold Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven E Arnold
- Arnold Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Robert E Featherstone
- Siegel Laboratory, Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven J Siegel
- Siegel Laboratory, Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R Suzanne Zukin
- Zukin Laboratory, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Thomas V McDonald
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Bolduc Laboratory, Department of Pediatrics, Center for Neuroscience, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Thomas A Jongens
- Jongens Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sean M J McBride
- McDonald Laboratory, Section of Molecular Cardiology, Departments of Medicine and Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva UniversityBronx, NY, USA; Jongens Laboratory, Department of Genetics, University of Pennsylvania School of MedicinePhiladelphia, PA, USA; Siegel Laboratory, Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania School of MedicinePhiladelphia, PA, USA
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Gan-Or Z, Bouslam N, Birouk N, Lissouba A, Chambers DB, Vérièpe J, Androschuk A, Laurent SB, Rochefort D, Spiegelman D, Dionne-Laporte A, Szuto A, Liao M, Figlewicz DA, Bouhouche A, Benomar A, Yahyaoui M, Ouazzani R, Yoon G, Dupré N, Suchowersky O, Bolduc FV, Parker JA, Dion PA, Drapeau P, Rouleau GA, Ouled Amar Bencheikh B. Mutations in CAPN1 Cause Autosomal-Recessive Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia. Am J Hum Genet 2016; 98:1271. [PMID: 27259058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2016.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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He X, Caluseriu O, Srivastava R, Denny AM, Bolduc FV. Reversible white matter lesions associated with mutant EHMT1 and Kleefstra syndrome. Neurol Genet 2016; 2:e58. [PMID: 27123477 PMCID: PMC4830196 DOI: 10.1212/nxg.0000000000000058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xu He
- Department of Pediatrics (X.H., R.S., A.M.D., F.V.B.), Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (F.V.B.), and Department of Medical Genetics (O.C., F.V.B.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Oana Caluseriu
- Department of Pediatrics (X.H., R.S., A.M.D., F.V.B.), Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (F.V.B.), and Department of Medical Genetics (O.C., F.V.B.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ratika Srivastava
- Department of Pediatrics (X.H., R.S., A.M.D., F.V.B.), Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (F.V.B.), and Department of Medical Genetics (O.C., F.V.B.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Anne Marie Denny
- Department of Pediatrics (X.H., R.S., A.M.D., F.V.B.), Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (F.V.B.), and Department of Medical Genetics (O.C., F.V.B.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics (X.H., R.S., A.M.D., F.V.B.), Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute (F.V.B.), and Department of Medical Genetics (O.C., F.V.B.), University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Vander Pluym JH, O'Sullivan J, Andrew G, Bolduc FV. Genomic characterization of chromosome 8 pericentric trisomy. Clin Case Rep 2015; 3:570-7. [PMID: 26273445 PMCID: PMC4527799 DOI: 10.1002/ccr3.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/29/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
We present a patient with trisomy 8p11.21q11.21 associated with language, gross motor, fine motor, and cognitive delay. Furthermore, using array-based comparative genomic hybridization, we identify the specific genes duplicated in our patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana H Vander Pluym
- Division of Pediatric Neuroscience, Stollery Children Hospital, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Julia O'Sullivan
- Division of Pediatric Neuroscience, Stollery Children Hospital, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gail Andrew
- Division of Neurodevelopmental and Neuromotor Pediatrics, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Division of Pediatric Neuroscience, Stollery Children Hospital, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada ; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Chambers DB, Androschuk A, Rosenfelt C, Langer S, Harding M, Bolduc FV. Insulin signaling is acutely required for long-term memory in Drosophila. Front Neural Circuits 2015; 9:8. [PMID: 25805973 PMCID: PMC4354381 DOI: 10.3389/fncir.2015.00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory formation has been shown recently to be dependent on energy status in Drosophila. A well-established energy sensor is the insulin signaling (InS) pathway. Previous studies in various animal models including human have revealed the role of insulin levels in short-term memory but its role in long-term memory remains less clear. We therefore investigated genetically the spatial and temporal role of InS using the olfactory learning and long-term memory model in Drosophila. We found that InS is involved in both learning and memory. InS in the mushroom body is required for learning and long-term memory whereas long-term memory specifically is impaired after InS signaling disruption in the ellipsoid body, where it regulates the level of p70s6k, a downstream target of InS and a marker of protein synthesis. Finally, we show also that InS is acutely required for long-term memory formation in adult flies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Chambers
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Alaura Androschuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Cory Rosenfelt
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Steven Langer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mark Harding
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada ; Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta Edmonton, AB, Canada
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Androschuk A, Al-Jabri B, Bolduc FV. From Learning to Memory: What Flies Can Tell Us about Intellectual Disability Treatment. Front Psychiatry 2015; 6:85. [PMID: 26089803 PMCID: PMC4453272 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2015.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Intellectual disability (ID), previously known as mental retardation, affects 3% of the population and remains without pharmacological treatment. ID is characterized by impaired general mental abilities associated with defects in adaptive function in which onset occurs before 18 years of age. Genetic factors are increasing and being recognized as the causes of severe ID due to increased use of genome-wide screening tools. Unfortunately drug discovery for treatment of ID has not followed the same pace as gene discovery, leaving clinicians, patients, and families without the ability to ameliorate symptoms. Despite this, several model organisms have proven valuable in developing and screening candidate drugs. One such model organism is the fruit fly Drosophila. First, we review the current understanding of memory in human and its model in Drosophila. Second, we describe key signaling pathways involved in ID and memory such as the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP)-cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) pathway, the regulation of protein synthesis, the role of receptors and anchoring proteins, the role of neuronal proliferation, and finally the role of neurotransmitters. Third, we characterize the types of memory defects found in patients with ID. Finally, we discuss how important insights gained from Drosophila learning and memory could be translated in clinical research to lead to better treatment development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaura Androschuk
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
| | - Basma Al-Jabri
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
| | - Francois V Bolduc
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada ; Neuroscience and Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta , Edmonton, AB , Canada
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Ramaswamy V, Castillo M, Bolduc FV. Developmental disability: duplication of zinc finger transcription factors 673 and 674. Pediatr Neurol 2010; 43:209-12. [PMID: 20691945 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2010.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2009] [Revised: 12/10/2009] [Accepted: 04/26/2010] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed a tremendous increase in our ability to identify precise genetic etiologies of developmental delay and intellectual disability. Mutations in various transcription factors were found in patients with intellectual disability. Specifically, the importance of a subgroup of transcription factors containing zinc finger motifs have been increasingly recognized in developmental delay and intellectual disability. We present a patient with intellectual disability in whom the duplication of two genes, ZNF673 and ZNF674, was identified through array-based comparative genomic hybridization. Our report reinforces the role of zinc finger transcription factors in cognitive development. Furthermore, it illustrates that not only deletions, but duplications, can cause developmental delay and intellectual disability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Ramaswamy
- Division of Pediatric Neurology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Abstract
We developed a novel assay to examine social interactions in Drosophila and, as a first attempt, apply it here at examining the behavior of Drosophila Fragile X Mental Retardation gene (dfmr1) mutants. Fragile X syndrome is the most common cause of single gene intellectual disability (ID) and is frequently associated with autism. Our results suggest that dfmr1 mutants are less active than wild-type flies and interact with each other less often. In addition, mutants for one allele of dfmr1, dfmr1(B55), are more likely to come in close contact with a wild-type fly than another dfmr1(B55) mutant. Our results raise the possibility of defective social expression with preserved receptive abilities. We further suggest that the assay may be applied in a general strategy of examining endophenoypes of complex human neurological disorders in Drosophila, and specifically in order to understand the genetic basis of social interaction defects linked with ID.
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Jacob FD, Ramaswamy V, Andersen J, Bolduc FV. Atypical Rett syndrome with selective FOXG1 deletion detected by comparative genomic hybridization: case report and review of literature. Eur J Hum Genet 2009; 17:1577-81. [PMID: 19623215 DOI: 10.1038/ejhg.2009.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome is a severe neurodegenerative disorder characterized by acquired microcephaly, communication dysfunction, psychomotor regression, seizures and stereotypical hand movements. Mutations in methyl CpG binding protein 2 (MECP2) are identified in most patients with classic Rett syndrome. Genetic studies in patients with a Rett variant have expanded the spectrum of underlying genetic etiologies. Recently, a deletion encompassing several genes in the long arm of chromosome 14 has been associated with the congenital Rett-syndrome phenotype. Using array-based comparative genomic hybridization, we identified a 3-year-old female with a Rett-like syndrome carrying a de novo single-gene deletion of FOXG1. Her presentation included intellectual disability, epilepsy and a Rett-like phenotype. The variant features included microcephaly at birth and prominent synophrys. Our results confirm that congenital Rett syndrome can be caused by copy-number variation in FOXG1 and expand the clinical phenotypic spectrum of FOXG1 defect in humans.
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