OBJECTIVE: Autism is a complex, largely genetic psychiatric disorder. In the majority of cases, the cause of autism is not known, but there is strong evidence for a genetic etiology. To identify candidate genes, the physical mapping of balanced chromosomal aberrations is a powerful strategy, since several genes have been characterized in numerous disorders. In this study, the authors analyzed a balanced reciprocal translocation arising de novo in a subject with autism and mental retardation. METHOD: The authors performed the physical mapping of the balanced 9q23/10q22 translocation by fluorescent in situ hybridization experiments using bacterial artificial chromosome clones covering the areas of interest. RESULTS: Findings revealed that the KCNMA1 gene, which encodes the alpha-subunit of the large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channel, a synaptic regulator of neuronal excitability, is physically disrupted. Further molecular and functional analyses showed the haploinsufficiency of this gene as well as decreased activity of the coded BK(Ca )channel. This activity can be enhanced in vitro by addition of a BK(Ca )channel opener (BMS-204352). Further mutational analyses on 116 autistic subjects led to the identification of an amino acid substitution located in a highly conserved domain of the protein not found in comparison subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a possible association between a functional defect of the BK(Ca) channel and autistic disorder and raise the hypothesis that deficits in synaptic transmission may contribute to the physiopathology of autism and mental deficiency.
OBJECTIVE:Autism is a complex, largely genetic psychiatric disorder. In the majority of cases, the cause of autism is not known, but there is strong evidence for a genetic etiology. To identify candidate genes, the physical mapping of balanced chromosomal aberrations is a powerful strategy, since several genes have been characterized in numerous disorders. In this study, the authors analyzed a balanced reciprocal translocation arising de novo in a subject with autism and mental retardation. METHOD: The authors performed the physical mapping of the balanced 9q23/10q22 translocation by fluorescent in situ hybridization experiments using bacterial artificial chromosome clones covering the areas of interest. RESULTS: Findings revealed that the KCNMA1 gene, which encodes the alpha-subunit of the large conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channel, a synaptic regulator of neuronal excitability, is physically disrupted. Further molecular and functional analyses showed the haploinsufficiency of this gene as well as decreased activity of the coded BK(Ca )channel. This activity can be enhanced in vitro by addition of a BK(Ca )channel opener (BMS-204352). Further mutational analyses on 116 autistic subjects led to the identification of an amino acid substitution located in a highly conserved domain of the protein not found in comparison subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a possible association between a functional defect of the BK(Ca) channel and autistic disorder and raise the hypothesis that deficits in synaptic transmission may contribute to the physiopathology of autism and mental deficiency.
Authors: Rui Luo; Stephan J Sanders; Yuan Tian; Irina Voineagu; Ni Huang; Su H Chu; Lambertus Klei; Chaochao Cai; Jing Ou; Jennifer K Lowe; Matthew E Hurles; Bernie Devlin; Matthew W State; Daniel H Geschwind Journal: Am J Hum Genet Date: 2012-06-21 Impact factor: 11.025
Authors: Thomas J Bell; Kevin Y Miyashiro; Jai-Yoon Sul; Ronald McCullough; Peter T Buckley; Jeanine Jochems; David F Meaney; Phil Haydon; Charles Cantor; Thomas D Parsons; James Eberwine Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2008-02-04 Impact factor: 11.205
Authors: Leila K Myrick; Pan-Yue Deng; Hideharu Hashimoto; Young Mi Oh; Yongcheol Cho; Mickael J Poidevin; Joshua A Suhl; Jeannie Visootsak; Valeria Cavalli; Peng Jin; Xiaodong Cheng; Stephen T Warren; Vitaly A Klyachko Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2015-01-05 Impact factor: 11.205