Project description:Susceptibility genes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), monogenetic disorders with intellectual disabilities (ID) or schizophrenia (SCZ) converge on processes related to neuronal function and differentiation. Furthermore, ASD risk genes are enriched for FMRP (Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein) targets and for genes implicated in ID. In addition, a significant co-heritability was observed between ASD and SCZ. The genetic overlap between ASD, FXS, ID and SCZ together with the symptomatic differences gives rise to the question if pathomechanisms impair the same or different regulatory patterns activated during neuronal differentiation (ND). To test this idea, we performed transcriptome analysis of in-vitro differentiation of the neuroblastoma cell line model SH-SY5Y and identified genes that were differentially expressed, dynamically regulated, and coordinately expressed. The identified genetic modules activated during ND are enriched for genetic risk factors for these four disorders. Although risk genes for the disorders significantly overlap, we observed disorder specific enrichments: ASD or FXS implicated genes were likely to be positive regulators of ND whereas ID implicated genes were related to negative regulation. ASD and SCZ genes were specifically enriched among cholesterol and fatty acid associated modules. ID genes were overrepresented among cell cycle modules. In addition, we show that ASD genes are likely to be hub genes. We hypothesize that knowledge about genetic variants of an individual combined with network and pathway context of the related genes will allow differentiating between psychiatric disorders. 21 samples, consisting of 3 replicates harvested at 7 different time-points of RA+BDNF-induced neuronal differentiation
Project description:Prenatal environmental exposures that have been shown to induce oxidative stress (OS) during pregnancy, such as smoking and alcohol consumption, are risk factors for the onset of schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). While the OS role in the etiology of neurodegenerative diseases is well known, its contribution to the genomic dysregulation associated with psychiatric disorders is less well defined. In this study we used SH-SY5Y cell line and applied RNA-sequencing to explore transcriptomic changes in response to OS before or during neural differentiation. We observed differential expression of many genes, most of which localised to the synapse and involved in neuronal differentiation. These genes were enriched in schizophrenia-associated signalling pathways, including PI3K/Akt, axon guidance, and signalling by retinoic acid. Interestingly, circulatory system development was affected by both treatments, which is concordant with observations of increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease in patients with NDDs. We also observed a very significant increase in the expression of immunity-related genes, supporting current hypotheses of immune system involvement in psychiatric disorders. These data suggest that early life exposure to OS has a disruptive influence on neuronal gene expression that may perturb normal differentiation and neurodevelopment, thereby contributing towards overall risk for developing psychiatric diseases.
Project description:Susceptibility genes for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), monogenetic disorders with intellectual disabilities (ID) or schizophrenia (SCZ) converge on processes related to neuronal function and differentiation. Furthermore, ASD risk genes are enriched for FMRP (Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein) targets and for genes implicated in ID. In addition, a significant co-heritability was observed between ASD and SCZ. The genetic overlap between ASD, FXS, ID and SCZ together with the symptomatic differences gives rise to the question if pathomechanisms impair the same or different regulatory patterns activated during neuronal differentiation (ND). To test this idea, we performed transcriptome analysis of in-vitro differentiation of the neuroblastoma cell line model SH-SY5Y and identified genes that were differentially expressed, dynamically regulated, and coordinately expressed. The identified genetic modules activated during ND are enriched for genetic risk factors for these four disorders. Although risk genes for the disorders significantly overlap, we observed disorder specific enrichments: ASD or FXS implicated genes were likely to be positive regulators of ND whereas ID implicated genes were related to negative regulation. ASD and SCZ genes were specifically enriched among cholesterol and fatty acid associated modules. ID genes were overrepresented among cell cycle modules. In addition, we show that ASD genes are likely to be hub genes. We hypothesize that knowledge about genetic variants of an individual combined with network and pathway context of the related genes will allow differentiating between psychiatric disorders.
Project description:Genetic and molecular studies have implicated the bromodomain containing 1 (BRD1) gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Accordingly, mice heterozygous for a targeted deletion of Brd1 (Brd1+/- mice) show behavioural phenotypes with broad translational relevance to psychiatric disorders. BRD1 encodes a scaffold protein that affects the expression of many genes through modulation of histone acetylation. BRD1 target genes have been identified in cell lines; however the impact of reduced Brd1 levels on the brain proteome is largely unknown. In this study, we applied label-based quantitative mass spectrometry to profile the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum proteome and synaptosomal proteome of female Brd1+/- mice. We successfully quantified between 1537 and 2196 proteins and show widespread changes in protein abundancies. By integrative analysis of human genetic data, we find that the differentially abundant proteins in frontal cortex are enriched for schizophrenia risk further linking the actions of BRD1 to psychiatric disorders. Affected proteins were further enriched for proteins involved in processes known to influence neuronal and dendritic spine morphology e.g. regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and mitochondrial function. Directly prompted in these findings, we investigated dendritic spine morphology of pyramidal neurons in anterior cingulate cortex and found them significantly altered, including reduced size of small dendritic spines and decreased number of the mature mushroom type. Collectively, our study describes known as well as new mechanisms related to BRD1 dysfunction and its role in psychiatric disorders, and provides evidence for the molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying altered neurosignalling and cognition in Brd1+/- mice.
Project description:Genetic and molecular studies have implicated the bromodomain containing 1 (BRD1) gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Accordingly, mice heterozygous for a targeted deletion of Brd1 (Brd1+/- mice) show behavioural phenotypes with broad translational relevance to psychiatric disorders. BRD1 encodes a scaffold protein that affects the expression of many genes through modulation of histone acetylation. BRD1 target genes have been identified in cell lines; however the impact of reduced Brd1 levels on the brain proteome is largely unknown. In this study, we applied label-based quantitative mass spectrometry to profile the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum proteome and synaptosomal proteome of female Brd1+/- mice. We successfully quantified between 1537 and 2196 proteins and show widespread changes in protein abundancies. By integrative analysis of human genetic data, we find that the differentially abundant proteins in frontal cortex are enriched for schizophrenia risk further linking the actions of BRD1 to psychiatric disorders. Affected proteins were further enriched for proteins involved in processes known to influence neuronal and dendritic spine morphology e.g. regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and mitochondrial function. Directly prompted in these findings, we investigated dendritic spine morphology of pyramidal neurons in anterior cingulate cortex and found them significantly altered, including reduced size of small dendritic spines and decreased number of the mature mushroom type. Collectively, our study describes known as well as new mechanisms related to BRD1 dysfunction and its role in psychiatric disorders, and provides evidence for the molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying altered neurosignalling and cognition in Brd1+/- mice.
Project description:Genetic and molecular studies have implicated the bromodomain containing 1 (BRD1) gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Accordingly, mice heterozygous for a targeted deletion of Brd1 (Brd1+/- mice) show behavioural phenotypes with broad translational relevance to psychiatric disorders. BRD1 encodes a scaffold protein that affects the expression of many genes through modulation of histone acetylation. BRD1 target genes have been identified in cell lines; however the impact of reduced Brd1 levels on the brain proteome is largely unknown. In this study, we applied label-based quantitative mass spectrometry to profile the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum proteome and synaptosomal proteome of female Brd1+/- mice. We successfully quantified between 1537 and 2196 proteins and show widespread changes in protein abundancies. By integrative analysis of human genetic data, we find that the differentially abundant proteins in frontal cortex are enriched for schizophrenia risk further linking the actions of BRD1 to psychiatric disorders. Affected proteins were further enriched for proteins involved in processes known to influence neuronal and dendritic spine morphology e.g. regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and mitochondrial function. Directly prompted in these findings, we investigated dendritic spine morphology of pyramidal neurons in anterior cingulate cortex and found them significantly altered, including reduced size of small dendritic spines and decreased number of the mature mushroom type. Collectively, our study describes known as well as new mechanisms related to BRD1 dysfunction and its role in psychiatric disorders, and provides evidence for the molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying altered neurosignalling and cognition in Brd1+/- mice.
Project description:Genetic and molecular studies have implicated the bromodomain containing 1 (BRD1) gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Accordingly, mice heterozygous for a targeted deletion of Brd1 (Brd1+/- mice) show behavioural phenotypes with broad translational relevance to psychiatric disorders. BRD1 encodes a scaffold protein that affects the expression of many genes through modulation of histone acetylation. BRD1 target genes have been identified in cell lines; however the impact of reduced Brd1 levels on the brain proteome is largely unknown. In this study, we applied label-based quantitative mass spectrometry to profile the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum proteome and synaptosomal proteome of female Brd1+/- mice. We successfully quantified between 1537 and 2196 proteins and show widespread changes in protein abundancies. By integrative analysis of human genetic data, we find that the differentially abundant proteins in frontal cortex are enriched for schizophrenia risk further linking the actions of BRD1 to psychiatric disorders. Affected proteins were further enriched for proteins involved in processes known to influence neuronal and dendritic spine morphology e.g. regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and mitochondrial function. Directly prompted in these findings, we investigated dendritic spine morphology of pyramidal neurons in anterior cingulate cortex and found them significantly altered, including reduced size of small dendritic spines and decreased number of the mature mushroom type. Collectively, our study describes known as well as new mechanisms related to BRD1 dysfunction and its role in psychiatric disorders, and provides evidence for the molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying altered neurosignalling and cognition in Brd1+/- mice.
Project description:Genetic and molecular studies have implicated the bromodomain containing 1 (BRD1) gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Accordingly, mice heterozygous for a targeted deletion of Brd1 (Brd1+/- mice) show behavioural phenotypes with broad translational relevance to psychiatric disorders. BRD1 encodes a scaffold protein that affects the expression of many genes through modulation of histone acetylation. BRD1 target genes have been identified in cell lines; however the impact of reduced Brd1 levels on the brain proteome is largely unknown. In this study, we applied label-based quantitative mass spectrometry to profile the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum proteome and synaptosomal proteome of female Brd1+/- mice. We successfully quantified between 1537 and 2196 proteins and show widespread changes in protein abundancies. By integrative analysis of human genetic data, we find that the differentially abundant proteins in frontal cortex are enriched for schizophrenia risk further linking the actions of BRD1 to psychiatric disorders. Affected proteins were further enriched for proteins involved in processes known to influence neuronal and dendritic spine morphology e.g. regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and mitochondrial function. Directly prompted in these findings, we investigated dendritic spine morphology of pyramidal neurons in anterior cingulate cortex and found them significantly altered, including reduced size of small dendritic spines and decreased number of the mature mushroom type. Collectively, our study describes known as well as new mechanisms related to BRD1 dysfunction and its role in psychiatric disorders, and provides evidence for the molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying altered neurosignalling and cognition in Brd1+/- mice.
Project description:Genetic and molecular studies have implicated the bromodomain containing 1 (BRD1) gene in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Accordingly, mice heterozygous for a targeted deletion of Brd1 (Brd1+/- mice) show behavioural phenotypes with broad translational relevance to psychiatric disorders. BRD1 encodes a scaffold protein that affects the expression of many genes through modulation of histone acetylation. BRD1 target genes have been identified in cell lines; however the impact of reduced Brd1 levels on the brain proteome is largely unknown. In this study, we applied label-based quantitative mass spectrometry to profile the frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum proteome and synaptosomal proteome of female Brd1+/- mice. We successfully quantified between 1537 and 2196 proteins and show widespread changes in protein abundancies. By integrative analysis of human genetic data, we find that the differentially abundant proteins in frontal cortex are enriched for schizophrenia risk further linking the actions of BRD1 to psychiatric disorders. Affected proteins were further enriched for proteins involved in processes known to influence neuronal and dendritic spine morphology e.g. regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics and mitochondrial function. Directly prompted in these findings, we investigated dendritic spine morphology of pyramidal neurons in anterior cingulate cortex and found them significantly altered, including reduced size of small dendritic spines and decreased number of the mature mushroom type. Collectively, our study describes known as well as new mechanisms related to BRD1 dysfunction and its role in psychiatric disorders, and provides evidence for the molecular and cellular dysfunctions underlying altered neurosignalling and cognition in Brd1+/- mice.
Project description:Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a childhood onset neurodevelopmental disorder with a large genetic risk component. It affects around 5% of children and 2.5% of adults and is associated with a range of severe outcomes. Here we identify three genes (MAP1A, ANO8, ANK2, P < 3.07e-6) implicated in ADHD by rare coding variants from exome sequencing of 8,895 individuals with ADHD and 53,780 controls. Rare deleterious variants in the three genes confer substantial risk for ADHD (odds ratios 5.55 - 15.13) and explain 5.2% of the overall rare variant heritability of ADHD, which was estimated to 2.5%. Protein-protein interaction networks of the three identified genes were enriched for rare variant risk of other neurodevelopmental disorders, and enrichment analyses pointed towards involvement of the networks in cytoskeleton organization, synapse function, and RNA processing. The top associated rare variant risk genes showed an increased mean expression across both pre- and postnatal brain developmental stages, with enrichment in several neuronal cell types including GABAergic and dopaminergic neurons, as well as among genes expressed in axons and in ion channel diseases. Rare protein-truncating variants were associated with lower socioeconomic status and lower education in individuals with ADHD, both before and after excluding individuals with co-occurring intellectual disability (ID). In line with this we identified a decrease in 2.25 intelligence quotient (IQ) points per rare deleterious variant in a German sample of adults with ADHD (N = 962). Individuals with both ADHD and ID showed increased load of rare variant risk overall, while individuals with other psychiatric comorbidities demonstrated increased load only for specific neurodevelopmental disorder gene sets. This suggests that psychiatric comorbidity (other than ID) in ADHD primarily is driven by rare variants in specific genes, rather than a general increased load across constrained genes.