We have established that human genome sequences encoding a novel protein domain, DUF1220, are highly amplified in the human lineage (>200 copies vs. 1 in mouse/rat) and may be important in human-specific cognitive function. The majority of DUF1220 domains are located at 1q21.1, one of the most complex regions of the human genome and filled with gaps and segmental duplications. Copy number variations (CNVs) in the 1q21.1 region have now been implicated in numerous diseases associated with cognitive dysfunction, e.g. autism, mental retardation, schizophrenia, microcephaly and macrocephly. These findings may be indicative of a novel recurrent rearrangement and reflect a new cognition-related syndrome specific for the 1q21.1 region. In order to more precisely identify the CNV boundaries and causal disease genes in these patients, a haploid BAC library will be used to generate a finished sequence map of the region. Sequencing of 1q21.1 BACs from a Hydatiform (haploid) mole library will be carried out in collaboration with Dr. Rick Wilson at the Washington Univ. at St. Louis Genome Center to generate a single haplotype path across the region. The finished 1q21.1 sequence will be used for fine mapping of already identified disease-associated CNVs for autism, mental retardation, microcephaly and macrocephaly, through collaborations with the laboratories of Drs. Evan Eichler and James Lupski. High-density custom tiling arrays will be generated for the finished 1q21.1 region and used for array CGH to fine map CNV breakpoints in these patients and identify candidate genes. In addition the role of DUF1220 domain copy number in autism will be investigated by QPCR analysis of individuals with autism using DUF1220-specific primers. To investigate the function of DUF1220 domains in a living mammal, DUF1220-minus mice we have generated (the first animal model for DUF1220 function) will be subjected to behavioral testing to assess the affect of DUF1220 domain loss on learning and memory.

Public Health Relevance

In addition to providing the scientific community with the most complete genome map for this complex genomic region, these studies should lead to a better understanding of which genes in the 1q21.1 region, including those encoding DUF1220 domains, underlie the specific diseases of cognition that have been shown to be associated with CNVs in this region. In addition, the behavioral studies using DUF1220-minus mice should generate the first insights into the possible cognitive function of these domains in a living mammal.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
3R01MH081203-02S1
Application #
8116270
Study Section
Molecular Neurogenetics Study Section (MNG)
Program Officer
Koester, Susan E
Project Start
2009-07-02
Project End
2014-04-30
Budget Start
2010-07-01
Budget End
2011-04-30
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2010
Total Cost
$79,369
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Colorado Denver
Department
Pharmacology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
041096314
City
Aurora
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80045
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Keeney, J G; Davis, J M; Siegenthaler, J et al. (2015) DUF1220 protein domains drive proliferation in human neural stem cells and are associated with increased cortical volume in anthropoid primates. Brain Struct Funct 220:3053-60
Davis, Jonathon M; Searles, Veronica B; Anderson, Nathan et al. (2015) DUF1220 copy number is linearly associated with increased cognitive function as measured by total IQ and mathematical aptitude scores. Hum Genet 134:67-75
Davis, J M; Searles Quick, V B; Sikela, J M (2015) Replicated linear association between DUF1220 copy number and severity of social impairment in autism. Hum Genet 134:569-75
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Davis, Jonathan M; Searles, Veronica B; Anderson, Nathan et al. (2014) DUF1220 dosage is linearly associated with increasing severity of the three primary symptoms of autism. PLoS Genet 10:e1004241
O'Bleness, Majesta; Searles, Veronica B; Dickens, C Michael et al. (2014) Finished sequence and assembly of the DUF1220-rich 1q21 region using a haploid human genome. BMC Genomics 15:387
Davis, Jonathan M; Keeney, Jonathon G; Sikela, James M et al. (2013) Mode of genetic inheritance modifies the association of head circumference and autism-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study. PLoS One 8:e74940
Dumas, Laura J; O'Bleness, Majesta S; Davis, Jonathan M et al. (2012) DUF1220-domain copy number implicated in human brain-size pathology and evolution. Am J Hum Genet 91:444-54
O'Bleness, Majesta S; Dickens, C Michael; Dumas, Laura J et al. (2012) Evolutionary history and genome organization of DUF1220 protein domains. G3 (Bethesda) 2:977-86

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