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Abstract: Bipolar disorder (BD) and schizophrenia are complexly inherited and highly heritable disorders with currently unknown etiologies. Recently, two independent genome-wide association studies for BD identified a small region on chromosome 15q14-15.1, pointing to a locus close to the gene C15orf53. Previously, this genomic region was also found to co-segregate with periodic catatonia (SCZD10, OMIM %605419), an unsystematic schizophrenia according to Leonhard''s classification, in several multiplex families, thus pointing to overlapping etiologies of both conditions. A susceptibility locus on chromosome 15q14-15.1 was narrowed down to a 4.38 Mb region in these affected families followed by mutation and segregation analyses of C15orf53. Association analysis of individuals affected by BD and/or SCZD10 (n = 274) and controls (n = 230) and expression analyses in distinct post-mortem human limbic brain tissues were conducted. C15orf53 revealed no mutations in our SCZD10 family members, but segregation of two common haplotypes was found. No association of identified haplotypes was found in our case–control samples. Gene expression could be demonstrated for immune-system-derived cells but not for the post-mortem human limbic brain tissue. Our results indicate that C15orf53 is probably neither causative for the etiology of BD nor for SCZD10 in our samples. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Mani (myelin-associated neurite-outgrowth inhibitor) protein is implicated in both axonal guidance and axonal regeneration after central nervous system (CNS) injury. Here, we applied a neurite outgrowth assay, coupled with a siRNA-driven investigation and immunocytochemistry, to unveil Mani’s axonal outgrowth inhibitory effect in embryonic rat cortical primary neurons in vitro. We further demonstrate Mani’s neuronal localization in comparison with a principal subunit, Cdc27, of the anaphase promoting complex (APC). Considering the protein structure of Mani obtained via a series of bio-computational studies, we propose a Cdc27-Mani-APC-related signalling pathway may be involved in CNS axon regeneration. Structured summary of protein interactions: MANI physically interacts with DAZAP2 by two hybrid (View interaction) MANI physically interacts with FAM168A by two hybrid (View interaction) MANI physically interacts with YPEL2 by two hybrid (View interaction) MANI physically interacts with TMTC1 by two hybrid (View interaction) [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Objective Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis/parkinsonism-dementia complex has been described in Guam, Western Papua, and the Kii Peninsula of Japan. The etiology and pathogenesis of this complex neurodegenerative disease remains enigmatic. Methods In this study, we have used targeted genomic sequencing to evaluate the contribution of genetic variability in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, parkinsonism, and dementia in Guamanian Chamorros. Results Genes previously linked to or associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, parkinsonism, dementia, and related neurodegenerative syndromes were sequenced in Chamorro subjects living in the Mariana Islands. Homozygous PINK1 p.L347P, heterozygous DCTN1 p.T54I, FUS p.P431L, and HTT (42 CAG repeats) were identified as pathogenic mutations. Interpretation The findings explain the clinical, pathologic, and genetic heterogeneity observed in some multi-incident families and contribute to the excess incidence of neurodegeneration previously reported on Guam. Ann Neurol 2015;77:458-468 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The MLC1 gene is involved in an autosomal recessive neurological disorder, megalencephalic leucoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC), which is characterized by macrocephaly during the first year of life and swollen white matter (leucoencephaly). Variants of MLC1 have also been associated with psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, major depression and bipolar disorder. Currently, little is known about the encoded protein (MLC1). Judging from its similarity to other known proteins, it may serve as a trans-membrane transporter. However, the function of the encoded protein and its gene regulation has not been investigated successfully so far. We investigated the 5' region of the murine Mlc1 with respect to regulatory elements for gene expression. A promoter search and an in silico analysis were conducted. Luciferase reporter gene constructs with potential promoter regions were created to study promoter activity in vitro. We found two alternative first exons for the murine Mlc1 but were not able to detect any promoter activity for the investigated reporter gene constructs in different cell lines, thus pointing to the presence of essential cisacting elements far outside of the region. In silico analysis indicated an uncommon promoter structure for Mlc1, with CCAAT-boxes representing the only noticeable elements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]